As phosphorus (P) removal requirements tighten across small rural WwTWs, traditional reliance on metal-based coagulants introduces challenges in cost, carbon, operability and long term resilience. This paper presents two innovative approaches that have been tested and deployed by United Utilities: natural coagulants and the Fujiclean CRX technology. Natural coagulants, trialled under the Ofwat funded "Alt P" project, delivered a 50% reduction in ferric sulphate while maintaining compliant P removal. Trials also demonstrated improved solids settlement and reduced iron residuals, providing additional operational and sustainability benefits as well as potential to remove the need for tertiary solids removal technology. Fujiclean CRX, a modular Japanese technology incorporating electrocoagulation, achieved excellent performance during municipal trials, consistently meeting BOD, TSS and phosphorus targets without chemical dosing. The compact, self-contained configuration makes the technology well suited to rural sites with space, access or power constraints. Following successful demonstrations, both natural coagulants and the Fujiclean CRX have been implemented by United Utilities on various AMP7 schemes and adopted as standard approaches for the AMP8 investment period. Together, these innovations expand the available treatment toolbox for small works and support sector wide ambitions to reduce chemical use, enhance operational resilience and progress toward net zero goals.