By Isle of Wight Observer
Southern Water has submitted a planning application for a new water recycling plant in Sandown, which would become the UK’s first full-scale facility to use an integrated membrane treatment process.
The Isle of Wight water recycling project proposes using advanced treatment techniques to turn treated wastewater into 10.8 million litres of purified recycled water each day. This water would then be released into the eastern River Yar, where it would mix with the natural river flow before being abstracted downstream and treated again at Sandown Water Supply Works to produce up to 8.5 million litres of drinking water a day.
A portion of the purified recycled water would be allowed to continue through the full length of the river, increasing flows at times when levels would usually be lower and providing additional water for local wildlife.
Southern Water says the scheme will create a new, drought-resistant source of drinking water for the Island, and reduce pressure on the River Test on the mainland. The River Test currently supplies around one-third of the Island’s water through the Cross-Solent Main, but is considered a delicate environment due to its chalk stream habitat.
Ben Ring, major projects director at Southern Water, described the submission as a major step forward. He said the scheme forms part of a wider programme to create new sources of water, protect Hampshire’s chalk streams, and maintain long-term resilience for customers on the Isle of Wight.
The plant would use an integrated membrane treatment process that combines a membrane bioreactor, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet advanced oxidation and remineralisation.
Mal Butler