Welsh Water submits planning applications for Cwm Taf water overhaul

(by Karma Loveday)

Welsh Water has submitted the planning applications for its Cwm Taf Water Supply Strategy – the largest water infrastructure project in the company's history, that will modernise treatment facilities and supply resilience for over 400,000 properties in southern Wales.

Applications have been lodged with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority for the £600m scheme which includes:

• Construction of a new water treatment works at Dan-y-Castell Farm, Merthyr Tydfil, including treated water storage capacity, a new pumping station at the existing Pontsticill site and new pipelines connecting the facilities to the existing water supply network.

• Upgrades to the existing Llwyn-onn Water Treatment Works facilities, including additional water storage capacity and new pipelines connecting the facilities to the existing water supply network.

• Decommissioning of the existing treatment works at Pontsticill and Cantref.

Welsh Water said the plans include habitat creation and connectivity to meet net benefit for biodiversity requirements, and benefits for the local economy through jobs, apprenticeships and supply chain work. It is hosting a supplier engagement event in Newport on 10 November.

The Cwm Taf Supply Strategy is being progressed as a Direct Procurement for Customers scheme. Welsh Water said it has already hosted engagement sessions with infrastructure investors, lenders and engineering partners to help shape the commercial and procurement approach before formal procurement begins.