South West Water purchased Stannon Lake, a working quarry until 2002, from minerals extraction company Imerys. Once the reservoir is constructed, two shore-based pumps will transfer up to six Megalitres of water a day into the raw water network via a 1.1 km pipe. The water will then be treated at either De Lank Water Treatment Works near St Breward, or Lowermoor Water Treatment Works near Camelford.
 

Project manager Nol Vincent said: “Our aim is to safeguard water supplies for our customers, whatever climate change throws at us. The development of Stannon Lake gives us significant extra reserves, without the cost and disruption involved in building a new reservoir, a process which can take 20 years. Stannon will be used to boost our water resources in Cornwall and will make a significant impact.”
 

South West Water’s reservoir scheme begins on Monday 8 March 2010 and is expected to be fully operational by the end of the summer.