20 July 2025

The United Utilities Innovation Team is always exploring new and forward-thinking technologies to improve how wastewater is treated — helping to reduce environmental impact and increase efficiency across the Windermere catchment.

Earlier this year, a trial of a promising new system known as Mobile Organic Biofilm (or MOB) was installed at Langdale Wastewater Treatment Works. MOB technology enhances the treatment process by encouraging beneficial bacteria to grow on mobile carriers. These carriers move freely through the treatment tanks, increasing the surface area for bacteria to thrive, which in turn helps break down waste more effectively.

Building on this momentum, a second innovation is now being tested at Hawkshead Wastewater Treatment Works. The new technology, known as NanoFloc, is a chemical additive that significantly boosts the efficiency of the treatment process. By improving how particles in the wastewater clump together and settle out, NanoFloc can help treatment works process higher volumes of water more effectively — particularly useful during periods of high rainfall or increased demand.

The Hawkshead trial is expected to run for 3 to 6 months, during which performance data will be closely monitored to evaluate its effectiveness and potential for wider rollout.

These trials are part of a broader effort to ensure that wastewater treatment in the Lake District is fit for the future — reducing the pressure on local waterbodies and supporting the aims of the Love Windermere Partnership.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the MOB trial at Langdale, you can watch the video here

We’ll continue to share updates as these trials progress.