South West Water Unveils Desalination Plans for Cornwall: Public Invited to Share Views

South West Water is reaching out to the community this month with a series of public information events aimed at discussing its new desalination plant proposal in Cornwall. This move is part of a broader strategy to bolster water resilience across the region.

In May, the company revealed a phased plan for the desalination scheme, emphasizing the urgent need to secure climate-resilient water supplies. The first phase will involve the construction of a smaller desalination plant, consisting of approximately five shipping container-sized units. This facility will utilise existing infrastructure, ensuring no harm to the marine environment, particularly seagrass and maerl.

The proposed plant is expected to produce between 2.5 and 5 million litres of clean drinking water per day, providing South West Water with a buffer period to refine plans for a larger facility.

Community Engagement and Feedback

Following an initial meeting with local residents in December 2023, South West Water is set to host three in-person public information events and two online sessions. These meetings are scheduled ahead of the planning application submission for the first-phase plant later this summer. The events are designed to gather community feedback and address any concerns.

The in-person sessions will be held on:

• Monday, 15 July at Cornubia Lower Hall, Par, from 4pm to 7pm.
• Wednesday, 17 July at Church Rooms, Lostwithiel, from 4pm to 7pm.
• Thursday, 18 July at Alexander Hall, St Blazey, from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Online webinars are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, 23 July, from 6pm to 7.30pm.
• Thursday, 25 July, from 6pm to 7.30pm.

David Harris, South West Water’s Drought and Resilience Director, emphasized the importance of these events. “Desalination is one part of our wider £125 million investment plan to increase the water resources available in Cornwall by 45% and in Devon by 30% by 2025 to break the cycle of drought,” he said. Harris also highlighted the need for climate-resilient water supplies, noting that desalination offers a unique solution to the challenges posed by climate change.

Minimising Environmental Impact

A significant concern for many locals is the potential environmental impact of the desalination plant. South West Water has assured the community that the new facility will use existing infrastructure to avoid marine disruptions. The desalination plant will discharge water with lower salinity than the seawater in St Austell Bay, ensuring no harm to marine life.

Additionally, as part of its broader investment plan, South West Water is also repurposing disused quarries like Blackpool Pit and Hawks Tor, increasing efforts to locate and repair leaks, and promoting water conservation through its Water is Precious campaign.

For more details on South West Water’s desalination proposals or to register for one of the upcoming events, visit South West Water Desalination.