The initiative to safeguard West Dorset’s watercourses will receive a boost in 2024 with a £1.5 million investment near Toller Porcorum village. Upgrades to the village’s water recycling center, commencing in spring, will prevent untreated diluted wastewater from reaching River Hooke through the automated operation of storm overflows.
Wessex Water plans to construct a new storage tank with a capacity of up to 27,000 liters for excess water from combined sewers, with the project set to conclude by February 2025.
This added capacity will help manage foul water and rainwater during heavy rainfall, ensuring proper treatment before safe return to the environment.
In instances of sewer overload, overflows act as a relief valve to prevent flooding by discharging into watercourses automatically.
Wessex Water project manager Chris Harrison said:“We’re investing £3 million a month towards reducing how often storm overflows operate and schemes like this ensure we can protect the environment and help to improve the quality of treated wastewater.’’
The bulk of the work at Toller Porcorum will commence in May, following preparations starting next month. Wessex Water has already invested significantly in various schemes in West Dorset to reduce automatic overflow occurrences.
Recent projects include directing wastewater away from West Bexington and Swyre villages, safeguarding the coastline near Portland Bill Lighthouse, and enhancing river health in Stour and Avon through substantial investments in water recycling centers.
Moreover, significant funds are allocated to bolster beach protection in Bournemouth by increasing storage capacity at the Holdenhurst water recycling center.
Wessex Water’s commitment to reducing overflow discharges and mitigating environmental impacts includes substantial investments in sewer pipe relining and future plans for additional investments between 2025 and 2030, subject to regulatory approval.
Source :Wessex Water
