Somewhat later than most other companies, South West Water has published its draft Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP) for consultation until 9 May.
The plan highlights the unusual characteristics of the south west: surrounded by water; with a population that swells significantly with the summer season – a trend intensified by Covid alongside growth of the resident population; and vulnerable to climate change, as shown by the devastation of the 2022 drought on river flows, groundwater and reservoir levels.
It looks towards a diversified supply mix, including desalination and wastewater reuse, coupled with lower leakage and a rollout of smart meters and rainwater harvesting via water butts.
South West Water said last year’s drought increased its reliance on drought measures beyond what was anticipated in its previous WRMP. It continues to work to restore reservoir levels through a range of actions not included in the baseline of its new WRMP, but that will be progressed to a stage that will enable them to be included in the company’s Statement of Response to consultation. These include permit and licence changes, repurposing some mines and quarries, and developing desalination facilities at a few locations along the Cornish coast.
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