The following South West Water-owned sites will be open for Heritage Open Days on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September:
Roadford Lake was opened in 1990 following the drought of 1976 which saw the last use of standpipes in the South West. The dam will be open for visits on Thursday 10 September.
After walking under the dam, which impounds water from the River Wolf to form a reservoir with an enormous net storage of 34,500 megalitres, visitors will scale 170 steps to the top of the valve tower. The steep climb is not for the faint-hearted but offers a unique opportunity to view this spectacular lake.
Pynes was built in 1833 in response to Exeter's devastating cholera outbreak which claimed the lives of 440 people. The tragedy led to dramatic changes in water treatment processes and the city's water source being moved from Exe Street near the city centre to the less polluted Pynes Leat.
Visitors to Pynes on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September will be greeted by South West Water's water quality experts for a presentation on the history of Exeter's water supply and a guided tour of the fully operational site.
Drop in to the Mary Tavy hydro-electric power station to discover how it harnesses the forces of nature to generate green energy – enough to serve 1,700 houses - on Thursday 10 September. During the open day, visitors are also invited to take a woodland walk around the nature reserve and enjoy a picnic.
Camborne Sewage Treatment Works provides full biological sewage treatment for Portreath, Redruth, Camborne and surrounding areas. Visitors will be shown the various stages of the treatment process during the tours on Thursday 10 September.
Built in 1898, St Leonards Sewage Treatment Works provides full biological sewage treatment for Launceston and surrounding areas. The works will be open on Thursday 10 September to visitors who will be able to witness the whole treatment process.
Booking is essential as places are limited. Please note that the tours are not suitable for children under the age of 12.
To reserve your place, contact South West Water’s Community Team on 01392 443020 (Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm).
For further information please contact: 01392 443020 or email pressoffice@southwestwater.co.uk
