Work has begun on a £4m project to improve the water quality across Northumberland and Tyneside.

Northumbrian Water is investing in upgrades at the Whittle Dene Water Treatment Works (WTW) near Hexham, which supplies water to 400,000 customers in the area.

The project includes the installation of two new tanks in the facility's backwash facility and the work is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024.

This investment is part of a larger £5.25m project at the site, with an additional £1.25m upgrade to other parts of the treatment process already underway since November 2022 and due to be finished by October 2023.

The goal of the project is to improve the resilience and quality of the water supply and ensure clean and great-tasting drinking water for customers.

According to Mike Foster, Project Manager at Northumbrian Water, the work will be carried out on-site, ensuring that customers are not affected during the process.

He said: “Being able to deliver the best quality drinking water possible for our customers is vital, and this investment at Whittle Dene will ensure we continue to be able to do this for the 400,000 customers whose supplies are supported by Whittle Dene Water Treatment Works."