Consultation begins on Welsh Water’s largest ever infrastructure project

The plans will modernise the drinking water network across South Wales, replacing century-old treatment facilities and increasing clean water storage capacity. Welsh Water’s proposals involve building a new water treatment works at Dan-y-Castell Farm in Merthyr Tydfil, close to the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road. The plans also include a new pumping station at Pontsticill, to replace the existing water treatment works at the site.

Proposals include upgrading the existing Llwyn-onn Water Treatment Works, which will allow the decommissioning of Cantref Water Treatment Works that was originally built back in 1926.

Welsh Water will need to deliver both proposals to meet their legal duty to upgrade the water treatment processes in the area.

This investment is an opportunity to future-proof water services in the area, ensuring a resilient, sustainable supply of safe clean drinking water for nearly half of the company’s customers.

Two statutory pre-application consultations have been launched to gather the views of local residents and stakeholders on the company’s plans, before planning applications are submitted to Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority.

Ian Christie, Managing Director of Water, Asset Planning and Capital Delivery at Dŵr Cymru said: “We’re facing a critical water security challenge in Wales. Ageing infrastructure can’t meet modern challenges – this strategy is a once in a generation opportunity to change that.

“We must ensure we can continue to provide a safe, reliable supply of drinking water every day of the year to our customer base in the face of climate change, population growth, and ageing infrastructure.

“This is about turning a century-old system into a 21st-century solution. The plans are now open for consultation, and we want to hear your views.

“We’re keen to hear from our customers and the local communities about how we can maximise environmental and community benefits and minimise disruption.”

The two consultations provide an opportunity for the local community, stakeholders and customers to review the plans and draft planning application documents, and to provide comments, before the company apply for planning permission.

Members of the public can review consultation materials and submit their views by visiting: dwrcymru.com/cwmtafstrategy

Community events will also be held to give residents the opportunity to meet the project team and learn more about the plans.

These will take place on:

• Thursday 6th November — 3pm-6pm, Pontsticill Memorial Hall, CF48 2RU
• Thursday 13th November — 2pm-7pm, Cefn Coed Community Hall, CF48 2NA
• Wednesday 26th November — 3pm-6pm, Nant Ddu Lodge & Spa, CF48 2HY
• Thursday 4th December — 1pm-5:30pm, Merthyr Tydfil Central Library, CF47 8AF