Poole SRO public consultation

Foreword from Steve Lanzon

As we face the dual challenges of climate change and a growing population, we must find new and sustainable ways to secure our water supply while protecting our environment. The Poole Water Recycling and Transfer project is a testament to our commitment to these goals.

This project, spearheaded by West Country Water and Environment (WCWE), represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide a safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible water supply for the future. In the West Country, we have long relied on our natural water sources, including rivers and underground aquifers. However, with changing weather patterns and increasing demand, we must adapt and explore new methods to ensure water security. The project is designed to address these challenges head-on. It will use advanced technologies to purify used water then return it to the natural water cycle in the River Stour. This water will be abstracted again downstream, passed through additional treatment, providing a new sustainable resource for the region.

This project not only helps to secure our water supply but also brings substantial environmental benefits. By reducing our reliance on river abstractions, we can improve our river flows and protect vital ecosystems, particularly during drought conditions. Additionally, creating a new wet woodland as part of this project will provide valuable habitats for local wildlife. Our approach is rooted in collaboration and innovation. We are working closely with other water companies, regulatory bodies, and local communities to ensure the success of this project.

By using advanced treatment technologies and adhering to stringent water quality standards, we are confident that the Poole Water Recycling and Transfer project will set a new benchmark for sustainable water management. We invite you to join us on this journey. Your feedback and support are crucial as we strive to build a resilient and sustainable water supply network for the future. Together, we can ensure that our water resources are managed responsibly, safeguarding them for future generations.

Steve Lanzon, Programme Director, WCWE

Planning for the future

The West Country region is proactively planning for the future to address significant water supply challenges posed by climate change and population growth. The project, led by WCWE, aims to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply while protecting the environment. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce leakage and improve water efficiency, new water sources are essential to meet future demands. The project will help mitigate anticipated shortfalls and reduce abstraction from the Hampshire Avon, securing water resources for generations to come.

Why we need the project

The West Country region faces significant water supply challenges due to climate change, population growth, and the need to protect vital water sources like the Hampshire Avon. The project, aims to address these challenges by providing a responsible approach to water abstractions, ensuring a safe and reliable water supply while protecting the environment.

Water companies must provide a safe and reliable water supply to their customers. However, the West Country region is experiencing increasing water scarcity due to the impacts of climate change and population growth. Hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters are becoming more common, exacerbating the seasonal disparity in water availability. This situation is further compounded by the projected population growth, expected to reach 70 million in the UK in 2026, with the South West experiencing above-average growth.

Due to climate change and increased protection status for chalk streams, current abstraction from these environmentally sensitive areas is to be reduced, driving the need to find alternative sources of supply as well as to meet rising demand. The Environment Agency projects a national water shortfall of about 4.8 billion litres per day in 2050 if no action is taken. 202 million litres of this shortfall per day would affect the South West; meaning 1.87 million people could be without water. To address this, water companies are taking measures to reduce leaks and improve water efficiency

Despite these efforts, new sources of water are still needed to meet the anticipated shortfall. This project will provide up to 25 million litres per day to the Bournemouth Water supply area. It will also support river flows in the River Stour reducing environmental impact on the existing abstractions along this section of the river. This new source of water will help resolve some of the anticipated shortfall and reduce abstraction from the Hampshire Avon, ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply for the future for the Poole and Bournemouth communities.

Working together

Water companies have a responsibility to plan for the future. This involves identifying and implementing the most effective and sustainable solutions that balance the need for a reliable water supply with environmental protection. This process culminates in the creation of Water Resource Management Plans (WRMP).

As water companies in the West Country, we have developed WRMPs to balance water supply and demand over the next 25 years and beyond. These plans consider various factors, such as economic growth, population forecasts, and the impacts of climate change. The WRMP process evaluates multiple options: these are called “demand-side” interventions (eg, reducing leakage and improving water efficiency) and “supply-side” solutions (eg, new reservoirs, desalination, and water recycling).

The WRMP process begins with an initial assessment of the region’s water needs and potential solutions. We gather data on current and future water availability, demand, and environmental considerations. Various options are appraised based on criteria such as environmental impact, cost, feasibility, and resilience. We identified the project as a promising solution due to its ability to recycle treated wastewater, reducing strain on natural water sources, and mitigating shortages during droughts.

Engaging with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, environmental groups, and local communities, is crucial to our WRMP process. Feedback from these stakeholders helps refine the options and ensure that the selected solutions align with broader environmental and community goals.

Some WRMP options fall into the category of what are termed “Strategic Resource Options” (SROs). These are large-scale solutions that generate new water resources and enable regional use. These options are assessed for their potential benefits and adverse impacts. The project emerged as a viable SRO due to its ability to provide a sustainable water source while protecting the environment.

In addition to this project, we are also developing other SROs to address the anticipated shortfall in water supply. Reservoirs are an essential part of this, and so we are exploring the feasibility of a second reservoir at Cheddar, and whether it is possible to repurpose disused quarries to store water from wet periods for use during dry periods. Collectively, these SROs aim to address a significant portion of the projected shortfall of up to 202 million litres per day in the South West by 2050. Through WCWE we are making a strategic and collaborative effort to address our region’s pressing water supply challenges.

Our Draft Regional Plan, published in January 2023, sets out the long-term water needs for the West Country up to 2050 and explores options to respond to those needs. The Regional Plan is a strategic framework that outlines regional priorities and actions for water resource management, complementing individual WRMPs by providing a broader regional context. It was developed with the water companies, and in consultation with the EA, ensuring a comprehensive approach to water resource management. The plan highlights the importance of moving towards a higher level of drought resilience, plus the need to consider the impacts of climate change and future demand.

Progress to date

RAPID, the Regulators Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development, is a partnership formed by three water regulators: Ofwat, the Environment Agency, and the Drinking Water Inspectorate. RAPID was established to accelerate the development of new water infrastructure projects and has designed a regulatory framework to ensure any new water resource is safe and sustainable for communities and the environments, and provide value for customers; this is achieved through a feasibility assessment called the “RAPID gated process”. This process consists of four gates, each serving as a critical checkpoint to independently assess the progress and viability of proposed projects. Our Poole Water Recycling and Transfer project is following this gated process.

At Gate One, the focus was on demonstrating the project’s progress and viability through early conceptual designs and delivery plans. Gate Two involved a detailed examination to ensure alignment with water resources planning, refining designs, and preparing for planning and environmental consents. The project successfully passed both gates, securing continued funding and marking significant milestones in its development.

Currently, the project is advancing through Gate Three. This stage is crucial as it prepares for the final planning application submission under the Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA). The focus is on ensuring that all necessary environmental and regulatory permits are secured and that the project is ready for the final stages of development. As part of this stage, various surveys are being conducted to gather essential data on the local environment. These surveys amongst others, include assessments of water quality, biodiversity, and how to manage any potential impacts on local ecosystems.

The data collected will inform the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, ensuring that all potential environmental impacts are thoroughly evaluated and mitigated. We are currently undertaking environmental scoping - a critical component of the EIA process. It involves identifying the key environmental issues and potential impacts that need to be addressed in the EIA. This scoping exercise helps to focus the assessment on the most significant issues, ensuring that the EIA is comprehensive and effective. The EIA process itself is vital as it systematically evaluates the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of the project. It provides decision-makers with the information needed to make informed choices and promotes sustainable development by identifying appropriate mitigation measures.

The project

Our vision for the project is to create a sustainable and resilient water supply system that meets the needs of our growing population while protecting and enhancing the natural environment. This project is vital in ensuring that water resources are managed responsibly, safeguarding them for future generations and providing a reliable water supply that supports both our communities and the environment.

About the project

The journey of the water begins at the existing Poole Water Recycling Centre [1], where 30 million litres per day of treated water will be diverted to a new Water Recycling Centre [2] via a new pipeline. Here, the water undergoes advanced purification processes to meet high-quality standards before being transported via new pipelines and released back into the environment.

The purified water will be released into the River Stour at two locations: upstream of Sturminster Marshall [3] and the other via a new wet woodland area [4]. The purified water, mixed with water from the River Stour, then travels downstream and is abstracted at Longham Lakes [5]. Finally, it is treated again at the Alderney Water Treatment Works before being supplied to customers in the Bournemouth area, providing up to 25 million litres per day.

1. Divert: Input 30 million litres per day.
2. Recycle: New Water Recycling Centre.
3. Release: Upstream.
4. Release: New wet woodland.
5. Abstract: Output 25 million litres per day.

What is water recycling?

Water recycling is not a new concept. In fact, all water on Earth is part of the natural water cycle, where water is constantly being recycled through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Water recycling speeds up this natural process by treating and purifying water more quickly. Instead of waiting for water to go through the entire natural cycle, we can treat it and return it to the environment much faster. This approach helps to top-up river levels, ensuring a steady flow of water even during drier periods. By doing this, we can maintain a continuous and sustainable water supply that is less prone to shortages during droughts.

Research by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) in 2022 found that 79% of people in the UK support using water recycling to supplement drinking water supplies. This strong support highlights the growing acceptance of the need to use new water sources that don’t rely on rainfall, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable water supply.

Water recycling glossary

WASTEWATER: water that leaves homes, businesses, and industries that is no longer clean. It includes water from sinks, showers, toilets, and factories.

WATER RECYCLING CENTRE: facilities where wastewater is treated and/or purified to ensure it is safe for release into the environment.

PURIFIED RECYCLED WATER: water that has been through advanced water recycling process.

RELEASED: purified recycled water is released back into the environment, in this case, the River Stour.

ABSTRACT: water is taken from natural sources, like rivers or underground aquifers, to be put into supply.

WATER TREATMENT WORKS: the abstracted water is treated at this facility to make it safe for drinking and other uses. This involves removing contaminants and ensuring the water meets drinking water standards.

The advanced water recycling process used for the project

Drawing on decades of experience from water recycling projects around the world such as California and Singapore, our water recycling process is designed to protect both people and the environment. We are considering various advanced treatment techniques to purify the water before it is released into the environment. This will ensure we are compliant with the Environment Agency’s long-term goal and enhanced licensing requirements of ensuring sustainable abstractions and improving environmental resilience, including the health of rivers and other water bodies.

The process will likely involve the following treatment types:

FILTRATION: water passed through media filters and ultrafiltration membranes—with holes thousands of times smaller than a human hair—to remove even the tiniest particles and microorganisms. These filters are like a super-fine sieve that catches everything from large debris to microscopic contaminants;

ADSORPTION: physically sticking or bonding ions and molecules onto the surface of another molecule, like a specially engineered sponge, to eliminate dissolved micropollutants like pharmaceuticals and “forever chemicals”; and

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT: we can use ultraviolet light to disinfect the water and eradicate even the smallest viruses, pathogen and bacteria

The PURIFIED RECYCLED WATER will then be put into the River Stour before being re-abstracted and treated at a downstream water treatment facility, ready to be put into supply.

Installing a pipeline - open cut

The majority of the pipeline will be installed using traditional “open-cut” methods. Opencut, or trenched, pipeline installation is the most common method for laying pipelines. The process begins with excavating a trench along the planned pipeline route at a depth that ensures the pipe is well-protected and stable. After the pipe is laid, the trench is filled in with the material that was dug out. The topsoil or tarmac is replaced, and the area is restored to its original condition, minimising the impact on the landscape. During construction, a working area is established around the trench to provide space for laying the pipe, accessing the site, and storing equipment and materials.

Installing a pipeline - trenchless

Trenchless pipeline installation is a method of laying pipelines without extensive digging. This technique is particularly useful where traditional open-cut methods are not feasible or would cause significant disruption. For the project, two sections of trenchless construction are proposed, one at the exit to the Poole Water Recycling Centre and the other at the Broadstone Roundabout. The proposed method for these sections has not yet been confirmed but one option we are considering is Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). This method is chosen when open-cut trenching is not possible or unfavourable; for example if there is a busy road junction or river to cross. This technique does not require surface work along the pipeline route but does need larger construction areas at the entry and exit points where the drill is installed. Space is also needed to lay out the pipe sections, which are welded and prepared before being pulled through the trenchless section as one continuous pipe.

The pipeline route

The maps below show the red line boundary for the project. This boundary outlines the area of land that will be considered as part of the planning application. The pipeline could be located anywhere within that redline.

The constraints outlined in the map key below highlight the complexity of the landscape through which the pipeline is threaded. We are continuing to build up this picture through detailed surveys to better understand these constraints.

This flexibility allows us to make necessary adjustments within the red line boundary as the project details are refined, without needing to submit a new planning application. For example, making slight amendments to the pipeline route to accommodate unforeseen constraints. As further studies are completed and the project is developed the red line boundary will narrowed as much as possible.

Constraints:

Buried services: location of underground utilities such as water, gas and electricity lines.

Heritage designations: areas containing historical or cultural sites that need protection, eg, Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Trees: which are protected due to their environmental, historical, aesthetic or cultural value, e.g. ancient woodlands and category A and B trees.

Environmental designations: areas recognised for their environmental importance such as nature reserves or protected habitats.

Ecology: zones identified for their ecological significance including habitats for protected species, e.g. bats and water vole.

Built-up areas: densely populated areas including residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

The new Water Recycling Centre at Corfe Mullen

The new Water Recycling Centre is located on a greenfield site owned by Wessex Water near the A31/Blandford Road junction. This location benefits from being close to existing infrastructure, and its raised position will partly help water flow back to the river naturally. We are still deciding which treatment techniques will be used for the advanced purification process. This choice will influence the equipment and layout of the structure, including access and egress. We are carefully considering this to ensure the design minimises visual impact and complements the existing setting. Equipment will likely be housed in enclosures to limit noise and odour, and operational traffic levels are expected to be kept as low as possible.

Release locations

We have proposed two release locations: a Primary Release Point via a new wet woodland next to the River Stour, which will provide valuable habitats for local wildlife, and a Secondary Release Point near Sturminster Marshall, which benefits from using existing Wessex Water infrastructure.

The Environment Agency uses scientific data and models to determine criteria for protecting aquatic life and maintaining river health, such as acceptable flow levels. One of the purposes of this work is to consider how much water can be abstracted or released into a river, both of which are licensed by the Environment Agency. We already rely on taking water from the River Stour in various locations known as abstraction points, either directly from the river or indirectly via the aquifer, the amount of which is licensed by the Environment Agency.

The Secondary Release Point tops up the River Stour levels upstream of existing abstraction locations, distributing the water more evenly, which is crucial for keeping the river’s flow within acceptable limits. Having two release points also means the project can manage the flow to the river in a more controlled manner.

Next steps

As we move forward with the project, it’s important to understand the steps we are taking to deliver safe and reliable water to your taps. This section will provide a brief overview of the key steps involved in developing the project. To date, we have conducted studies to understand the environment that the pipeline will travel through, which has helped us determine an appropriate route. The next stage is to develop the project to a level of design suitable for a planning application. We will proceed with the Town and Country Planning Process (TCPA) to obtain necessary permissions, including undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate potential environmental effects. We are also undertaking this consultation and will get further feedback on the proposals as the project develops.

The permissions required for the project

The project falls within the boundaries of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and Dorset Council. These councils will review the planning application to ensure it complies with local planning policies and regulations. They will consider various factors, including any potential effects on the community, environment, and local infrastructure. The councils will also take into account feedback from the community and other stakeholders before deciding whether to grant planning permission.

Progressing the Design:

After conducting initial feasibility studies and identifying potential pipeline routes, we are now moving to the next stage: gathering detailed information to support the planning application. This approach strikes a balance between providing enough information to assess significant impacts and allowing flexibility for necessary adjustments as the project progresses. This adaptable planning strategy helps us refine the design as we progress, incorporating stakeholder feedback and environmental assessment findings.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

An essential part of the planning process is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The first step in this process was EIA screening, where it was decided that given the scale and complexity of this project, a full EIA would be necessary. The next step is EIA scoping, where we outline the key environmental issues that need to be studied. This stage has just been completed, and it helps us focus our efforts on the most critical areas. The EIA itself involves detailed studies and assessments to understand the potential impacts on the environment, such as effects on local wildlife, water quality, and air quality. We also consider how to mitigate any negative impacts.

Timeline to delivery

Mitigation measures:

Mitigation measures are categorised into three types: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary mitigation involves designing the project to avoid impacts from the outset. For example, selecting the pipeline route to avoid environmentally sensitive areas. Secondary mitigation includes measures to reduce impacts during the project’s implementation; for instance, installing noise barriers during construction to reduce noise pollution. Tertiary mitigation involves actions to remedy any residual impacts after the project is completed. An example of this is restoring habitats after construction to address any remaining impacts. At this stage, primary mitigation is still possible, which is why local knowledge gained from the consultation is so important. Your input can help us identify potential issues early and design solutions that minimise environmental impacts.

Consultation:

Consultation is a crucial part of the planning process. It involves obtaining feedback from the community and stakeholders to gather their thoughts and ideas. At this stage of the development, we plan to hold one round of consultation, during which we will present the need for the project, how the project is being and will continue to be developed and gather feedback. Once the EIA work has progressed and the pipeline route is better understood, we will hold another round of consultation. At that stage, we will present more detailed information, including the preferred pipeline route. This ongoing dialogue ensures that the project is developed in a way that considers the needs and concerns of the community whilst still achieving the objectives of the project in securing water supplies.

Construction:

If planning permission is granted and other necessary licences are obtained, construction can then commence. It is important to note that preparing for construction is complex and requires further work, and therefore, it could be five years or more before construction starts.

Construction involves the physical installation of the pipelines, the new Water Recycling Centre at Corfe Mullen, other infrastructure, and the creation of the new wet woodland habitat. Construction activities will be carefully managed to minimise disruption to the community and the environment. We will work closely with the highways authority to determine the best approach to managing traffic and ensuring safety during this construction. More information will be provided at the next round of consultation.

Commissioning:

After construction is completed, the new water infrastructure will undergo a commissioning phase. This involves final testing and adjustments to ensure that all systems are functioning correctly and that everything is in place and ready to go.

Timeline: 

• 2026: Further public consultation.
• 2026: Environmental impact assessment concluded and environmental statement submitted.
• 2027: Planning application submitted.
• 2027 to 2029: Further design and assessments.
• 2028 to 2030: Enabling works, including further surveys and preparatory works.
• 2030 to 2034: Construction works.
• 2034 to 2035: Commissioning and testing.
• 2035: Water available for supply.

Maintaining our water quality standards

In the UK, water quality is strictly regulated by the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016, which set stringent standards for drinking water quality. These regulations ensure that all water supplied to the public meets high safety and quality standards. We are in ongoing discussions with regulators, including the Drinking Water Inspectorate in selecting and developing an appropriate treatment process.

To ensure we use the best treatment techniques, we have commissioned a specialist water laboratory who are helping us choose the most suitable advanced purification process from both a customer and environmental value perspective. We are currently completing laboratory testing and setting up a pilot plant to validate how our selected advanced purification process performs over a much longer period. This pilot plant will be a miniature version of the full-scale system.

Our new Water Recycling Centre at Corfe Mullen will be designed to ensure the water quality in the River Stour is not affected and that there is no adverse impact on other abstraction from the River Stour for drinking water purposes. To achieve this, we have implemented a multi-barrier approach for risk management. The final water will be treated to a high standard before being released into the River Stour, blending with the river water and then abstracted and treated again to a high standard at the existing water treatment works.

We are committed to maintaining the excellent drinking water quality that customers already receive. We are developing a comprehensive Drinking Water Safety Plan (DWSP) to ensure this. This plan assesses all potential risks to drinking water quality from the source to your taps. It ensures that appropriate control measures are in place. By following this plan, we can identify and mitigate potential risks, ensuring that the water recycling process meets all regulatory standards and continues providing safe, high-quality drinking water.

Have your say

We encourage you to come along to our consultation events, engage with us, and share your thoughts. Consultation is a vital part of our process, as it helps us gather diverse perspectives and make informed decisions. We look forward to your participation and feedback.

Sharing your views

Our consultation will run from 23 April to 21 May. This is your chance to learn about what the  project means for you and your area and to share your views with us. Your feedback is  invaluable in shaping the future of this project.

The easiest way to provide your feedback is by completing the online feedback form.

Drop-In events

We are hosting two drop-in events to make it convenient for everyone to participate. These events will be held in locations close to the project. At these sessions, you can view detailed information about the project, see visual displays, and meet members of our team who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Dates, times and locations

• Thursday 1 May, 4pm to 8pm: Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Bournemouth BH10 7LH
• Saturday 17 May, 12pm to 4pm: Corfe Mullen Village Hall, Towers Way, Wimborne BH21 3UA

Deposit locations

We also have three deposit locations which are information hubs where hard copies of the booklet and response forms will be available to view and take away.

Dates times and locations

• BCP Council Hub and Library, 22 The Triangle, Bournemouth BH2 5RQ
• BCP Council Hub and Library, 29 High Street, Christchurch BH23 1AW
• BCP Council Hub and Library, Kingland Road, Poole BH15 1QE