Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has been chosen by West Country Water and Environment (Wessex Water and South West Water) to continue supporting the flagship Poole Water Recycling and Transfer Strategic Resource Option (SRO) through its next phase of development.

The Poole SRO is a key project within Ofwat’s Major Water Infrastructure Programme. The scheme will provide a more resilient water source for Bournemouth and Poole while improving the environment in and around the River Avon and River Stour. Stantec’s teams have led the development of the project since its inception, and the firm will now lead on subsequent planning, permitting, engineering design, stakeholder management and environmental consulting efforts required for the project to progress through Ofwat’s RAPID Gate C stage.

A complex water resource challenge

The Poole SRO will divert some of the water treated by Wessex Water’s existing Poole Water Recycling Centre away from Holes Bay and Poole Harbour, where it is currently discharged, northwards to a new water-recycling centre. The water will be subject to advanced treatment methods before being discharged into the River Stour at two new locations: one upstream of Sturminster Marshall and the second via a new constructed wetland at Corfe Mullen.

The additional water flow in the River Stour will then be abstracted at Longham Lakes, treated for supply at Alderney Water Treatment Works, and released into Bournemouth Water’s existing supply system.

Replacing the water currently abstracted from the River Avon helps protect this highly important natural chalk stream. It is expected that around 30 million litres per day of water will be treated at the water recycling centre before 28 million litres per day of water will be discharged into the River Stour, with 25 million being re-abstracted at Longham lakes.

Supporting communities and the environment

Stantec’s work will include the design and upgrade of new and existing water-recycling centres, pumping stations, and approximately 12.5 kilometres of pipeline infrastructure.

“This is a highly complex project that requires an innovative approach with multiple specialist teams working in lockstep with each other and the client,” said Scott Jackson, regional business leader for Stantec’s Water business in the UK and Ireland. “Delivering SROs efficiently and in a way which truly benefits the environment and communities is one of the country’s most urgent endeavours.

“As we continue to see the impacts from climate change and population growth, we need to make sure that our water supply networks have sustainable sources that are drought resilient whilst retaining water in the environment where needed. We’re delighted that our longstanding involvement in this SRO will continue as we oversee its delivery.”

Supporting biodiversity

Plans for the new wetland at Corfe Mullen are intended to support biodiversity and create conditions favourable to sensitive and protected wildlife in the surrounding area. The project team is working closely with regulatory bodies on environmental, permitting, and planning requirements. Stantec has conducted extensive heritage and ecological surveys. The firm is preparing the Environmental Impact Assessment and other regulatory assessments to support the planning and permit applications.

The next phase will culminate in the submission of a planning application, currently targeted for summer 2027, before the project moves into permitting and future procurement activities.