Barrow in Furness STW, Barrow-in-Furness

Overview

Barrow in Furness STW serves approximately 71,500 people in Barrow-in-Furness, England. The plant operates under UK wastewater regulations, treating municipal sewage before discharge.

Barrow in Furness STW is a wastewater treatment plant located in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. It serves a population of around 71,500, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under UK and EU classifications. The facility is situated near the coast of the Irish Sea. As a UK wastewater plant, Barrow in Furness STW is regulated under the Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations, which transpose the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. For a population of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with additional nutrient removal if discharging into sensitive areas. The treated effluent from the plant is discharged into the local water environment, ultimately reaching the Irish Sea. This coastal discharge is subject to environmental monitoring to protect marine ecosystems. The plant plays a key role in maintaining water quality in the region, supporting both local biodiversity and recreational use of coastal waters.

Environmental context

The plant discharges into the Irish Sea via local watercourses. The Irish Sea supports diverse marine life, including fish, seabirds, and cetaceans, and is an important area for fisheries and shipping. Effluent quality must meet standards to prevent eutrophication and protect sensitive coastal habitats.

Frequently asked questions

Barrow in Furness STW is located in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England, near the coast of the Irish Sea.

The plant serves approximately 71,500 people, classifying it as a medium-sized agglomeration under UK wastewater regulations.

Treated effluent from the plant is discharged into local watercourses that flow into the Irish Sea, a coastal marine environment.

The plant operates under the Urban Waste Water Treatment (England and Wales) Regulations, which implement the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, requiring secondary treatment for this population size.

For a population of this scale, secondary treatment is standard, with potential tertiary treatment if discharging into sensitive areas like coastal waters.