The latest phase of a £30m investment in water supply and improving the quality of drinking water for people in Essex is taking shape.
Essex & Suffolk water is carrying out upgrades at Layer Water Treatment Works (WTW) that will ensure a resilient supply of clean, clear and great tasting tap water for its customers.
Earlier this year, the first stage of the project was completed, with the creation of a new ‘sand yard’ at the rear of the site, including a brand new sand washing machine, which cleans sand used in the site’s gravity-driven water filtration system.
As the raw water slowly passes through the sand, particles are removed through absorption or are encapsulated in the sand.
Now, following months of work, a new filter block is being installed at the front of the site. This represents the first time a Mecana system has been used on this scale for drinking water treatment in the UK.
The block, which will become the first stage of the treatment process, is raised on a steel frame, to enable gravity to drive the water through the site, once it has been through the initial filtration. This will deliver operational energy, cost and carbon savings at the site.
Additionally, the chemical free pre-treatment system has been built off-site in the UK, to avoid disruption.
The work is being carried out by the water company’s partner, Farrans Construction.
“This is a major investment in our water treatment capability in Essex. The impacts of climate change, whether that’s hotter summers or really wet periods, can have a negative effect on the water we treat, to turn into high quality drinking water. Our upgrades at Layer WTW will help combat that and ensure our supply is resilient, and the quality of the water remains high.”
“We are pleased to be progressing on programme with Layer Water Treatment Works. It is exciting for our team to be able to implement a system which is a first for the UK and a new way of working for the water sector to deliver a clean and clear product. By utilising off site construction and identifying new ways of working, together with Essex & Suffolk Water, we are increasing sustainability and resilience for the future of this site.”
People can follow updates on the project, which is due to complete in Summer 2026, at Project: Layer Treatment Works Enhancements | Essex & Suffolk Water
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15.12.2026
