Promise of 'clean water by Summer 2026' as sewage works delayed 

Manx Utilities issues statement following criticism

Manx Utilities says it's committed to delivering clean bathing water for Peel and Laxey by Summer 2026, as plans for regional sewage treatment works are delayed.

It was previously hoped the sites would be up and running by the end of 2025 and early 2026 respectively.

Following reported criticism of the delays, the authority told Manx Radio issues with the wastewater industry in the UK have put pressure on the supply chains of some of the associated infrastructure.

That, in turn, has had a knock-on effect on its deadline for Peel and Laxey - the remaining areas of the Island's coastline in need of modern-day sewage treatment.

In a statement, Manx Utilities says: "[The Authority] continues to work extremely hard to de-risk the project and protect the public purse."

It adds it: "could not foresee the current issues in the UK wastewater industry, which have put pressure on supply chains for wastewater infrastructure (specifically, the IRBC units “Integrated Rotating Biological Contactor”) and therefore had a knock-on effect on the final delivery milestone." 

"As a result, subject to planning permission, Manx Utilities’ intention is to bring forward elements of the project to support delivery of clean bathing water prior to the summer 2026 season."

Manx Utilities is due to publish a more detailed update on the plans tomorrow (5 April).