Costain has been awarded a £6.6 million contract with Thames Water to upgrade strategic treatment assets in Hertfordshire.
The contractor is set to upgrade the wastewater treatment assets at the Markyate and Brickendon sites as part of its Wastewater Wastewater Asset Assurance Programme (WAAP).
It follows Costain winning a more than £5 million design and build contract as part of the WAAP to upgrade two wastewater treatment sites in Sandhurst, Berkshire and Selborne, Hampshire.
This is Thames Water’s largest upgrade of sewers and sewage treatment works, with improvements planned at more than 250 sites as part of a £1.12bn investment.
The planned construction across both sites aims to improve the water provider’s ability to manage incoming wastewater.
Thames Water has been at the centre of an enforcement investigation by water regulation authority Ofwat to investigate whether Thames Water managed its sewage treatment works and sewerage networks appropriately, such that the company limits spills and environmental harm from storm overflows.
Thames Water issued a statement in response to the Ofwat investigation, stating: “We regard all untreated discharges as unacceptable, even when they are permitted, and are taking action to improve the health of our rivers as a key area of focus and investment.”
Work on the new wastewater treatment sites will include modernising operations at inlet stations, whilst storm tanks will undergo repairs, modifications and upgrades.
At Markyate, the work will be taking place alongside Thames Water’s ongoing investigations into the impact of groundwater on the sewer network that is informing long-term planning.
Both projects are expected to finish in 2026.
Graham Sugrue, framework director at Costain, said: “We’re looking forward to applying our breadth of experience to drive these important upgrades to the water infrastructure that will improve the quality of life for local residents and communities.
“We’ll work closely with Thames Water to apply our skills and expertise to deliver a successful and efficient upgrade of the Markyate and Brickendon sites.”
Andrew Popple, director of delivery at Thames Water, added: “The programme of upgrades to our wastewater systems is a major undertaking and of huge importance to our millions of customers.
“As a result we are seeking partnerships with trusted, reliable contractors who will add value and understand our operations. We have worked with Costain on a range of projects and have every confidence the project will be managed and completed to our expectations.”
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