Affinity Water is nearing completion of the construction of a new £15 million new water treatment facility in Sundon, Bedfordshire which will play a crucial role in the company's efforts to decrease unsustainable abstraction by up to 36 million litres per day by 2025.
By bringing in more water from outside the area, specifically from Anglian Water's Grafham Water reservoir, Affinity Water aims to minimise the ecological impact on chalk streams and their diverse wildlife populations.
Affinity Water’s supply area is home to 10% of the worlds rarest chalk streams, which serve as vital habitats for diverse wildlife species. The water is sourced from local chalk aquifers, known for their pristine quality and low energy requirements for treatment and distribution.
Construction of the water treatment facility commenced in October 2022 and is scheduled to be completed by June 2024, with reductions in local groundwater abstraction planned from December 2024 onwards.
To meet water demand while minimising reliance on unsustainable abstraction, Affinity Water will increase its supply from alternative sources, including imported water from Anglian Water's Grafham Water reservoir.
Water sourced from different areas naturally varies in chemical composition, which can affect the performance of pipes. To address this, the water will undergo conditioning to align with local groundwater sources from a number of water supply zones , mitigating the risk of discoloration and ensuring compliance with quality standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
The innovative facility marks a significant milestone in Affinity Water's commitment to reducing water abstraction from chalk groundwater sources and protecting the unique habitats of chalk streams in the region.
Ben Hayward, Head of Capital Delivery at Affinity Water said:
"The implementation of the new water treatment facility represents a significant step forward in our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable water management.”
"We are dedicated to ending unsustainable abstraction from chalk groundwater sources in the Chilterns and beyond.”
"Chalk streams are invaluable ecosystems that support a wide range of wildlife species, and it is our responsibility to safeguard them for future generations."
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