Christchurch, Eco & Environment | Posted on October 17th, 2024 | return to news
Major upgrade to Christchurch water treatment works has started
Work on the £85 million upgrade to Bournemouth Water’s Knapp Mill Water Treatment Works in Christchurch has started.
Bournemouth Water has started work on a major £85 million upgrade to its Knapp Mill Water Treatment Works in Christchurch and people are invited to a drop-in centre in Ringwood to learn more about it.
The project is part of a £200 million investment by the water company to upgrade its main treatment works with state-of-the-art technology, with a similar project at its Alderney site getting underway last year.
Designed by Bournemouth Water’s expert teams alongside its delivery partners, the upgrades will add industry-leading treatment technology to existing processes so customers continue to receive high-quality drinking water into the future.
Initial preparatory work has now started at Knapp Mill, with full construction due to begin next month. The upgraded treatment works are expected to become operational in 2026 while maintaining normal operations throughout the construction period.
Around 200 jobs are planned to be created during the work, providing high-skilled employment opportunities within the local area.
Work at the Alderney site, located off Francis Avenue on the outskirts of Bournemouth, is also progressing well with completion scheduled for next year.
Richard Stanbrook, general manager of Drinking Water Services at Bournemouth Water, said: “We’re excited to get work underway at Knapp Mill as part of the major investment we’re making to upgrade our main treatment works in Bournemouth and Christchurch.
“Both Mike and I have over 67 years of service together and this is a step change we have looked forward to. By investing in these cutting-edge treatment technologies now, we’re ensuring our water network is fit for the future, while also creating jobs and supporting the local economy.”
The project will help boost biodiversity thanks to improved landscaping around the Knapp Mill site, which will support local wildlife and enhance the natural environment along the River Avon.
The improved treatment process will also eliminate any slight changes some customers may have previously noticed in the colour of their water in past autumn/winter periods following heavy rainfall, which were linked to the unique New Forest landscape.
For an opportunity to learn more about the upgrades, customers are invited to drop-in sessions with the company’s experts, who will be located at Furlong Shopping Centre, Ringwood, on Thursday 24 October from 12 noon until 6pm.
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