A £9 million upgrade to Brecon’s wastewater treatment works has been completed, in a project designed to improve the health of the River Usk.

The work, carried out by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water since November 2022, has expanded the site’s capacity to meet local demand and introduced new technology to remove phosphorous from treated wastewater.

Phosphorous can contribute to algal blooms, which damage river ecosystems. Welsh Water says reducing levels before discharge will help improve water quality and benefit aquatic life in the Usk.

Steve Wilson, Managing Director of Wastewater Services at Welsh Water, said: “We’re investing £2.5 billion over the next five years to improve the environment, but we know we can’t do it alone.

“We’re eager to collaborate with other organisations working to protect our rivers.

“Our £9 million investment in Brecon is a big step forward, and we hope it will be boosted by the work of others to help the River Usk thrive.”

The Brecon scheme is part of wider investment along the Usk catchment, including ongoing work at Llanfoist and Usk treatment works. Between 2025 and 2030, Welsh Water plans to spend around £90 million in the catchment area, with more than £24 million allocated to phosphorous removal projects.