News
Treated Sewage Water To Support Cambridge’s Future Tap Water Needs?
A new Local Plan for Cambridge, due to take effect in 2023, has suggested that in order to tackle the problem of water demand outstripping supply in the city treated sewage water could be used as drinking water to help support growth in population.
According to the Cambridge Independent, Cambridge is home to a chalk aquifer that provides the drinking water for the local area. However, this is running out, which is putting increasing pressure on the River Cam.
In order to treat sewage, the solids need to be filtered out, with smaller particles then filtered out as well using a process known as reverse osmosis. Water can also be sterilised using ultraviolet light.
It’s expected that the region will see between 3,900 and 26,300 extra homes by 2041 or thereabouts. Taken with those building projects already in the pipeline, there would be between 40,300 and 62,700 additional properties between now and then.
And without alternative drinking water sources available, it is assumed that significant decreases in licensed groundwater abstraction rates will not be possible. This means that, even without the projected increase in housebuilding rates, the River Cam will continue to see low water levels.
Wholesale director at Cambridge Water Pete Aspley was quoted by the news source as saying: “We recognise that there are challenges in the Greater Cambridgeshire region around the amount of proposed growth and ensuring that water supplies are both environmentally sustainable and secure, now and in the future.
“We are working with the planning authority and regional water resources partners to ensure that we manage water supplies over the long term and we are considering all options to remove pressures on chalk streams without impeding the economic growth of our region.”
Whether you’re in the local Cambridge region or not, it’s important to be aware of the growing threat of water stress and scarcity, something that will certainly affect us here in the UK in as little as ten years’ time.
As a business, you can start boosting your green credentials by understanding why water efficiency is important and what you can do to make your operations more efficient across the board.
The good news is that saving water will ultimately save you water in the long run, as well, so it’s a win-win for both you and the environment. There are three main approaches you can focus on that will help you to save water – leak detection and repair, water auditing and water monitoring.
When taken together, these steps mean you could potentially see savings of more than 30 per cent on your current water bill, so you can save water, reduce your costs and increase your profits at the same time. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the team here at H2o Building Services today.