South West Water have confirmed they will be upgrading the sewage infrastructure at points around the River Fal to improve water quality for shellfish and bathing waters.
This follows news on Monday from Ofwat, the water company regulator, which set out proposals to approve the accelerated delivery of 31 investment schemes from water companies nationwide to deliver benefits for customers and the environment. The total investment will be around £1.6bn with work beginning in the next two financial years, from 2023 to 2025.
South West Water’s proposed investments total c£130 million, the second highest of all water companies in the country. Within this, there are four priority areas Falmouth, Sidmouth, the River Camel and the Rive Axe.
South West Water’s biggest investment within this programme is focussed on accelerating delivery on storm overflows. Between Falmouth and Sidmouth, the total project cost is £70 million, with £25 million being spent in the next two years.
Their total investment for the Falmouth area includes £13.2 million by 2025, with a total of £40 million by 2030.
South West Water’s proposal in Falmouth consists of six overflows to improve water quality for shellfish and bathing waters. These are:
- Falmouth Sewage Treatment Works
- Queen Mary Gardens
- Swanvale
- 24 North Parade
- Old Hill
- Prince of Wales Pier
These works are planned to start over 2023-2025 to see benefits from 2025, with full advantage of removing 160 spills per bathing water season by 2028.
Truro and Falmouth’s Member of Parliament Cherilyn Mackrory said:
“Following Ofwat’s announcement earlier this week I am delighted to see confirmation of these plans and multi-million pound investment from South West Water into the sewage infrastructure around the Fal.”
“These works are clearly needed and I am pleased to see South West Water recognise that fact and prioritise them for delivery.”
“I look forward to meeting South West Water to discuss the detail and see for myself how these works will make a positive difference for people living around and working on the Fal.”