Stopping leaks and building reservoirs. To meet future needs, we need to be able to store and treat more water
Managing the drinking water network is all about balance. We need to balance the amount of water we store and treat with how much people need, but this isn’t always simple – demand doesn’t stay the same and rainfall varies from year to year.
Climate change and an increasing population add to pressure on the system. There’s also the need to balance the needs of the natural world with the water system – taking water from rivers and reservoirs means there’s less for wildlife.
Water to All is our programme that aims to achieve a stable and balanced water network: On the one hand, storing more water and upgrading water treatment; on the other, reducing leaks and encouraging customers to be careful with what they use, to help manage demand.
To make sure there’s enough water to meet demand in the years ahead, we are increasing resource so we can store and treat more water. We’re also finding and fixing leaks to help avoid wasting this precious resource.
A complex network of pipes and pumps moves clean water around the region to where it’s needed. If demand surges in one place, water can be transferred from miles away.
We’re going one step further and developing a strategic network so water can be transferred across longer distances to top up reservoirs. This will provide an extra level of protection to ensure a plentiful supply of water for customers.
Take a look at a selection of projects we're working on across Devon and Cornwall to improve water network.