Oxford treatment works project
We're working towards upgrading Oxford sewage treatment works (STW). These upgrades will help to:
- Treat more wastewater
- Improve the quality of water that's returned to the environment
- Reduce flood an pollution risks along water courses
Background
As this is a major upgrade that will take time to complete, we've split the work in to two projects.
The first project will mean we can meet the demand needed by 2031. The target date for this upgrade to be completed is 2027. This work will:
- Reduce spills
- Increase the capacity of the STW
- Improve the quality of water returned to Northfield Brook
We'll be working with Nuvoda throughout this project, and using their plant-based water treatment technology.
The second project will increase our capacity even more, so we'll be able to meet demand until 2041. The target date for this upgrade to be completed is 2030. This work will:
- Further increase the capacity of the STW
- Help meet our environmental goals for flow and quality
Some parts of our upgrade work will need planning permission from Oxfordshire County Council. These works will include:
- The Activated Sludge Plant (ASP) blower building
- The sludge processing barn
- Temporary access for vehicles on to Grenoble Road
- A landscape bund
In February 2026, we submitted our planning application to Oxfordshire County Council. The application included documents about the impact these works could have on the environment and local residents.
Completed work
An overview of the works that were completed from January to March 2026.
2031 project
- Clean out of the flow balancing tank
- Inlet works extension construction ongoing
- Secondary treatment works progressing
- Final Effluent Dissolved Oxygen (FEDO) interim solution and storm screen design progressing
2041 project
- Contractor appointed and design has started
- Ordered the supply of additional power to the site
- Land leased to farmers is in the final stages of being brought back to Thames Water control, to allow for the growth of the site
Work over the next 6 months
A summary of the work due to be completed on both projects over the next 6 months.
2031 project
- Inlet extension reinforced concrete works
- Complete pipework upgrades
- Complete sludge tank repairs
- Complete secondary treatment build
- Secondary treatment commissioning and optimisation work will start
2041 project
- Design work will continue on this capacity upgrade
- Start of critical works to enable work, including:
- Manufacturing of power assets
- Design and construction works for power assets
- Further commercial engagements for additional supply chain partners
- Planning application submission for electricity upgrade, temporary highway access, and landscape
Get in touch
If you have any questions, please call us on 0800 316 9800 or you can email us. Please quote reference: BB01324997.