WORK begins this month on seven United Utilities improvement projects, part of a £75 million investment, which the water giant has said will improve water quality in the Eden Valley.
United Utilities is investing £75 million into the improvement of water quality in the Eden area as well as the expansion of its wastewater treatment plant at Morland.
The programme of investment into Eden's water quality will see improvements at 22 water treatment works, a further four sites will see a reduction in the number of storm outflows they operate.
READ MORE: United Utilities set to make significant investments across Cumbria
Improvement projects will mean a reduction of phosphorous in treated wastewater which is returned to the environment, improving water quality in the Eden Valley.
The first batch of works are located at Great Asby; Orton, Dufton, Long Marton, Milburn and Morland.
Morland Wastewater Treatment Works will see a separate piece of work which will reduce the number of sewage outflows from the plant.
Companies are permitted to discharge wastewater into lakes, rivers and the sea during periods of heavy rainfall, to prevent sewers from becoming overwhelmed as well as the flooding of homes.
READ MORE: Thousands of sewage outflows into Cumbrian waterways
Andrew Kendall, Wastewater County Business Lead for Cumbria at United Utilities said: "We’re working at pace to deliver significant investment to our wastewater network right across Cumbria.
He said: "These seven projects that are starting this month will directly improve water quality to the River Eden and its tributaries."
It follows claims from Eden Rivers Trust that a population of the endangered white-clawed crayfish has been "wiped-out" near to the Morland Wastewater Treatment Works.
United Utilities announced plans in July to invest £2 million into West Cumbria's water infrastructure.
The work, expected to be completed this month, involves the construction of water storage tanks in Arlecdon, Deanscales and Threapland, reducing the number of storm outflows during periods of heavy rainfall.
