To mark the completion of its flood defence work at Mayhill Water Treatment works, Welsh Water welcomed local MP David Davies to show first-hand how the defences will protect the area’s water supplies even in the most extreme weather conditions.
The company has invested over £2 million on flood defences at the works in Monmouth following the flooding events that occurred during Storm Dennis in February 2020.
The work, which began last year, included installing a new flood wall around the site and new flood gates along with upgrades to the site’s drainage system. This included installing a facility which connects to surface water pumps to take away rainwater in the event of a flood, ensuring the site can continue to operate efficiently and provide clean drinking water to the local area.
During Storm Dennis, which occurred in February 2020, the water treatment works was severely flooded, resulting in police evacuating the treatment works. A large number of properties in the area experienced low water pressure or no water at all. Welsh Water employees worked throughout the day and night to keep customers in supply and deliver bottled water to households, care homes and the local hospital.
Commenting on the visit, David Davies MP said: “I recall clearly the huge impact the floods had on the treatment works and visited the site at the time. I remember the lengths they went to to keep customers supplies going including using their fleet of water tankers. I therefore very much welcome the investment Welsh Water has made here to protect the site from future flooding events which likely will become more frequent with the effects of climate change”.
Martin Hennessey, Welsh Water’s Director of Capital Delivery said: “We were delighted to welcome David Davies MP to our treatment works to show the investment we have made to protect it from future flooding incidents. Storm Dennis was one of the worst winter floods that we have experienced in recent times so our work at Mayhill Water Treatment Works is essential to strengthen our resilience and ensure that we can keep our customers in supply”.
