Peebles Water Treatment Works

Project Overview

Work on the new Water Treatment Works began in February 2021. It is being constructed in the field to the south of the existing WTW on Bonnington Road, on the outskirts of Peebles. The new works will continue to be supplied by raw water from Megget reservoir, which is the current source for drinking water in the area. 

Latest Update: February 2022

• The delivery of the Transportable Treatment Units has been paused this week (week commencing 14/02/22) due to high winds impacting deliveries
• The Transportable Treatment Units which are being constructed off site
• The new works is arriving in 19 pieces over the course of two months on lorries
• Parking restrictions are required to enable the deliveries to be made safely
• Parking restrictions will be in place on sections of Springwood Road, Glensax Road, Glen Road (between Springwood Road and Glensax road) and  Bonnington Road.
• Please do not park in the areas marked on the map below on the following dates (2 loads expected each day)

What we are doing

• We aim to deliver a long-term, sustainable WTW that meets the needs of present and future generations. The Peebles WTW, which we know as Bonnycraig WTW, was built in 1970’s. It is now time to upgrade the works due to its age, as like most things in life the technology and equipment has a certain lifespan. The best option to ensure continued high quality drinking water for our customers in in the area is to build a new works, rather than try and upgrade an ageing works to modern standards.
• There were two key principles adopted for the design for the proposed WTW. The first was that it aim to have a net zero carbon footprint and the second was that landscape impact was minimised.  The building has been designed using an innovative modular technology where it will be constructed off site and delivered to Peebles in sections. There is a reduction in carbon emissions using this construction method as it has a considerably reduced construction programme, less site preparation and fewer vehicle movements for workforce, equipment and supplies.
• It is also proposed to install Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on the roof of the building which we anticipate will provide an annual return of around 50MWh. There is far more detail in the planning application supporting statement for the application which will be available on the Scottish Borders Council website – reference 20/00349/FUL.