A natural cycle threatened by climate change
Everything we do is reliant on the natural Water Cycle. Rain is what allows us to sustainably operate.
Rain falls into rivers, which then flow into our reservoirs, keeping them full.
If it doesn’t rain, rivers get low. Less water is collected into the reservoirs, and their levels start to drop. Meaning there is less water available in the environment for us to take for treatment.
In the past, the South West has had very reliable rainfall. However, climate change is altering that.
We’re having to adjust the way we operate to look outside our traditional methods of water treatment, to make sure we always have enough supply to meet demand.
Making water drinkable
Water treatment starts long before the water reaches the treatment works. If raw water sources are fit and healthy, it makes our job of cleaning it a lot easier. There are many stages of treatment that water goes through before we're happy enough to send it to your tap.
Raw water quality
Abstraction
Settling
Filtration
The water is filtered twice. First through sand to remove any micro-organisms that are still present in the water. Then it’s filtered through Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) that removes tiny bacteria. Did you know: GAC is full of holes that trap the bacteria inside. Just 1 gram of GAC has a surface area of 1000 square meters!
Chlorination
Water of the future
There are many exciting innovations happening in water treatment every year. We're at the forefront of this progress in the UK, having built its very first ceramic membrane treatment works in 2021.
What makes Mayflower different?
Our Plymouth water treatment works, Mayflower, is the first of its kind in the country. Instead of using the traditional sand and carbon filters, it uses ceramic membrane technology.
Sourcing more water
We've accelerated our plans to find and develop more water resources. From new raw water reservoirs to potential for desalination plants, we have a lot in the pipeline.
South West Water progresses plans to deliver desalination in Cornwall
South West Water is teaching the future generation about the value of water
South West Water completes £2 million sewer replacement to add future resilience in Exmouth
How you can protect our water's future
Providing 1.8 million people with water is a balancing act of keeping a supply going whilst taking water from an environment that has less and less in it because of climate change. That's why it's important to be aware of your water use, and save where you can. Being water efficient isn't about not using water, but about only using the water you need.
