Water Quality Improvement at Salford Quays

The REDUNDANT Salford DOCKS on the Manchester Ship Canal are being redeveloped into a blend of commercial, residential, and amenity facilities under the initiative of Salford City Council. An essential requirement for the success of the project is the provision of a water quality that is both aesthetically pleasing and compatible with a variety of water contact sports. The paper outlines the holistic programme that has been undertaken to improve the heavily polluted, and eutrophication susceptible, dock waters. The remedial programme has involved a combination of dock impoundment, plant nutrient exclusion, and the installation of‘Helixor’mixing/ aeration equipment. The most significant water quality improvements have been enhanced visual appearance, reduction of the levels of bacteria, organic matter and nutrients, and the suppression of algal growth.