NI Water completes £4m treatment works improvement

Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) has completed a £4 million improvement scheme ahead of schedule at Caugh Hill water treatment works outside Dungiven.

The work included the construction of a new sludge press, which will help improve the efficiency of the water treatment process.

NI Water described the sludge press as an “essential element” of the water treatment process and said the improvement scheme will deliver cost savings to the business.

Paul Harper, NI Water director of asset delivery said: “Water is a vital part of our infrastructure and impacts on our daily lives. We are delighted to have completed this major investment at the plant, which will greatly improve the water treatment process and deliver benefits to our customers such as improved water quality.”

Work started on the site in August 2017 and was completed ahead of schedule this month. A new filter was also added to enhance the overall process. The company said the filer will bring environmental benefits, as the water used in the process is recycled, which maximises water usage at the plant and will enhance the water quality in nearby rivers.

Councillor Brenda Chivers mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council added: “I am delighted to see first-hand the improvements that have been made at the Caugh Hill site.

“It was fascinating to see how the water treatment process works in practice and how this new sludge press will make the overall process more efficient. The council welcome this major investment in the area, which will greatly benefit the local community.”

Murphy/Dawson WAM JV was the contractor for the scheme, with Doran Consulting providing technical and project management support.