Brighton water plant 'needed due to contamination'

Southern Water has applied to build a new treatment plant at a company site in Falmer

A new water treatment plant for Brighton and Hove is needed because of an increased risk of contamination, Southern Water has said.

The company has applied to build a nitrate treatment plant building at its site in Lewes Road, Falmer.

It received a notice from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) after a small number of checks found unacceptably high nitrate levels at the Housedean borehole site in the Lewes Valley.

In its application, Southern Water said the boreholes are "at risk of failing to be suitable to meet the water supply needs of the local population".

Water from the boreholes is already treated but the DWI says extra treatment is necessary to remove the nitrates, which usually come from pollution from agriculture, by the end of 2025.

Southern Water said it is required to provide “wholesome” and disinfected water but routine monitoring found Lewes Valley supply boreholes are at risk of not meeting supply needs.

It said: “They are at risk of exceeding allowed nitrate and turbidity concentration levels, as well as being at risk from groundwater flooding and bacteriological contamination, including cryptosporidium, which can cause significant health issues.

“At the Housedean borehole site, one per cent of compliance samples have failed due to high nitrate levels.”

The planning application to Brighton & Hove City Council includes a chemical-dosing substation, a pumping station and fencing.

A laboratory building, garages and temporary buildings will be removed from the site to make way for the treatment works.

The plans are recommended for approval and a decision will be made on 7 August.