Frankley Water Treatment Works

Frankley Reservoir and Water Treatment Works - geograph.org.uk - 1770196

Frankley Water Treatment Works is a major water treatment facility located in Frankley, Birmingham, England. It is operated by Severn Trent Water and plays a crucial role in supplying potable water to the Birmingham area and surrounding regions.

History

The Frankley Water Treatment Works was constructed in the early 20th century as part of the Elan Valley Reservoirs project. The project aimed to provide a reliable and clean water supply to the rapidly growing population of Birmingham. The water is transported from the Elan Valley in Wales to Frankley via the Elan aqueduct, which spans approximately 73 miles.

Operations

The facility treats water sourced from the Elan Valley Reservoirs. The treatment process includes several stages to ensure the water meets the stringent quality standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. The main stages of treatment at Frankley include:

• **Coagulation and Flocculation**: Chemicals are added to the water to bind particles together, forming larger clumps known as flocs.
• **Sedimentation**: The flocs settle at the bottom of sedimentation tanks, allowing clearer water to be drawn off the top.
• **Filtration**: The water passes through filters made of sand, gravel, and other materials to remove any remaining particles.
• **Disinfection**: Chlorine or other disinfectants are added to kill any remaining bacteria and viruses.
• **pH Adjustment**: The pH of the water is adjusted to prevent corrosion in the distribution system.

Infrastructure

The Frankley Water Treatment Works is equipped with advanced technology to monitor and control the treatment process. The facility includes:

• **Control Room**: A central hub where operators can monitor the treatment process in real-time.
• **Laboratories**: On-site laboratories for testing water samples to ensure compliance with quality standards.
• **Pumping Stations**: High-capacity pumps to distribute treated water to the Birmingham area.

Environmental Impact

Severn Trent Water is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations. The Frankley Water Treatment Works employs various measures to reduce energy consumption and manage waste products. The facility also works to protect the local environment and biodiversity.

Future Developments

Plans for future developments at Frankley include upgrading existing infrastructure and incorporating new technologies to enhance water treatment efficiency and sustainability. These developments aim to meet the increasing demand for water and address the challenges posed by climate change.

See Also

• Severn Trent Water
• Elan Valley Reservoirs
• Elan aqueduct
• Drinking Water Inspectorate
• Water treatment