Last chance to take part in Dŵr Cymru’s early proposals for Merthyr water treatment works

The not-for-profit water company is currently holding a public consultation on their revised proposals to invest in new and resilient water treatment works – future proofing the supply of drinking water to present and future generations.

The company is calling for the public to respond with views on the proposal to upgrade Llwyn-onn Water Treatment Works and develop a new water treatment works at Dan-y-Castell Farm, next to Pant Industrial Estate. They welcome feedback from as many people as possible to help to shape the proposals further, before the next stage of consultation.

As Welsh Water is keen to work in in collaboration with the local community, there is also an opportunity to send your ideas for projects they can support including initiatives that benefit the local environment and biodiversity.

The investment is needed as three water treatment works in the area, Pontsticill, Cantref and Llwyn-onn, are ageing and nearing the end of their operational life. A new legal duty has been placed on Welsh Water by the Drinking Water Inspectorate to build a new treatment works.

The revised proposals have come following a 2-year review by the company to develop an alternative solution, to the original proposal they consulted on with the local community in 2022.

The feedback received, in 2022, helped to shape the new proposals so that the previous Gurnos Farm proposal is no longer being considered, and new pipework – and associated disruption - is no longer needed at Cyfarthfa Park, Georgetown and Gurnos.

Ian Christie, Managing Director of Water, Asset Planning and Capital Delivery at Welsh Water said: 

“We greatly appreciated the feedback that we received following our 2022 consultation, we’re now pleased to be sharing the progress we have made and ask for the views from the local community, which are really valuable and will help us shape our proposals further before they are finalised.

This project is a necessity for us to continue to provide a safe, reliable supply of drinking water to our customers in the area at an affordable price. We want to work in partnership with the community and stakeholders, not only to invest in the water network, but also in the local community.

We encourage your collaboration and feedback and look forward to hearing your thoughts.”

The next stage will be statutory consultation, currently expected to start in early 2025, where the local community will once again have an opportunity to have their say on the more detailed plans prior to Welsh Water submitting planning applications.

Welsh Water has developed virtual consultation rooms with all of the latest information relating to the proposals which can be viewed at www.dwrcymru.com/cwmtafstrategy 

You can complete feedback forms online via the virtual consultation rooms or request a copy. All comments need to be returned to Welsh Water by Monday 9th September 2024.