Plymouth’s water supply given extra protection against drought

21st April 2020

South West Water has started essential work to build a new pumping station to protect the water supply in Plymouth during dry weather.

Work started today (Monday 20 April) in the field at the junction of Coombe Lane and Porsham Lane, Tamerton Foliot, and is due to be completed by February 2021.

The new pumping station, along with the existing pumping station at Lopwell Dam, will transfer water from the River Tavy to the new Mayflower Water Treatment Works at Roborough as needed, making it more resilient to drought.

South West Water’s Senior Project Manager, Mike Court, said: “It is vital that our water and wastewater services are resilient and that we deliver water supplies as efficiently as possible. This investment will ensure we can continue to provide customers in Plymouth and the surrounding area with a clean, safe and reliable supply of drinking water now and into the future.”

“As an essential service provider, looking after our customers and employees is our top priority and we will continue to follow Government and NHS advice surrounding Coronavirus to make sure safety is paramount while we carry out this work.”

For more information see www.southwestwater.co.uk/coombelane

Notes to editor

• Mayflower Water Treatment Works will replace the existing Crownhill Water Treatment when it becomes fully operational. For more information on Mayflower, visit www.southwestwater.co.uk/about-us/Projects-investments/mayflower-water-treatment-works/

• There have been no water restrictions in the South West Water region for 23 years.