The River Usk in and around Brecon is set to receive a boost thanks to a £9 million investment scheme currently being delivered by Dŵr Cymry Welsh Water, alongside contractors, Mott Macdonald Bentley (MMB).

The upgrades – which are being carried out by contractors Mott Macdonald Bentley – will include the introduction of an innovative process which will remove phosphorous from the treated wastewater.

Phosphorous can cause algal bloom which can be harmful to the river’s ecosystem. Ensuring efficient treatment before it’s released back into the environment will help reduce levels in the nearby river Usk - which in turn will benefit the river quality and its aquatic life.

The first part of the work started last year, but from the end of July the work ramped up even further. This included a larger compound set up within Brecon County Showground. As long as everything goes to plan, the work will be completed during the summer next year.

Welsh Water’s Senior Project Manager, Adam Bush, said: “As a company, we are committed to ensuring we protect the environment that is in our care, and that includes the watercourses we interact with. There are a number of factors which contribute to phosphorous levels in our watercourses, and we are committed to ensuring we do all that we can to keep our contribution to the absolute minimum. Our significant investment here in Brecon reflects this.”  

“We appreciate that this kind of work can cause some inconvenience, but we will do all we can to keep this to a minimum and would like to thank people for bearing with us whilst we undertake this essential work.”

The company is also currently investing £10 million to upgrade the wastewater system in Usk. The work is being carried out in three phases. The first phase – which involves installing screens to remove things such as rags and wet wipes that the station receives – was completed in December 2022. The second phase of work will get underway next year and will increase the amount of waste pumped to the nearby wastewater treatment works to reduce the number of spills from the station’s combined storm overflow (CSO).

The final phase of the work will also be delivered next year and will increase the capacity at the treatment works itself.