Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has submitted planning applications for a £600m scheme to modernise water treatment facilities in Merthyr Tydfil and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, aiming to secure a safe and dependable drinking water supply for more than 400,000 properties.
The applications, lodged with the council and the national park authority, cover new water treatment facilities that would serve communities including hospitals and schools in Merthyr Tydfil, surrounding towns, and parts of Cardiff.
Replacing ageing infrastructure
The new facilities would replace the water treatment works at Pontsticill and Cantref and upgrade the Llwyn-onn Water Treatment Works. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water said these sites have served the region for more than a century and are becoming increasingly difficult and costly to maintain.
Plans include constructing a new water treatment works at Dan-y-Castell Farm, Merthyr Tydfil, with 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 and environmental measures
The proposals also involve upgrading the existing Llwyn-onn water treatment works facilities, including additional water storage capacity and new pipelines, and the future decommissioning of the treatment works at Pontsticill and Cantref.
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water said the plans were developed following consultation with local communities and stakeholders, integrating feedback to prioritise the use of previously-developed land at existing sites. The scheme includes green roofs and long-term management plans to create species-rich habitats and improve connectivity for a net benefit for biodiversity.
Economic and community benefits
Feedback from the consultation highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for local businesses through supply chain contracts while supporting skilled jobs and apprenticeships during construction and delivery.
Roch Cheroux, chief executive of Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, said: “The project represents one of the most significant investments in Welsh Water infrastructure for generations and will help provide a safe, reliable, and sustainable drinking water supply for customers for decades to come.
“As a company we need to deliver this critically important infrastructure for the benefit of our customers. The effects of climate change are already being realised in Wales, with extreme weather bringing more frequent storms and heatwaves, all increasing the pressure on our ageing water treatment assets.
“We appreciate the feedback we have received to help us shape our plans. It is important that we understand what matters most to the local communities, identifying how we deliver the infrastructure needed and deliver long-term benefits and best value for our customers, the community and environment.
“Submitting the planning application is an important milestone as we move forward with preparations for this major project, and once again will give the community and stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the plans.”
