A temporary water treatment plant has had a “substantial” impact on bathing water quality at Rockcliffe.
And now Scottish Water is aiming to extend the programme for another three years while it works on a new, multi-million permanent facility along the coast in Kippford.
The existing plant is unable to cope with the influx of summer visitors to the seaside village, which is believed to be responsible for bathing water quality at Rockcliffe continually being given a “poor” rating from SEPA.
This was the first year Scottish Water had run a temporary water treatment plant in Kippford. It saw the existing site expanded during the summer months.
And a document lodged with the council says “Bathing water quality performance improved substantially in 2021”, to the extent that it is expected to be classified as “excellent” this year.
Following that success, Scottish Water has applied for planning permission for the temporary plant to run during the next three summers.
By that point, it is hoped the new, permanent plant will be up and running.
The equipment will be removed at the end of the bathing water season.
A supporting design statement from Scottish Water lodged with the council claims: “There are clear and important benefits to the proposed development by way of supporting the local economy as well as maintaining the environmental quality and preventing future environment incidents at Rockcliffe bathing waters.”
