Trial cleans-up water in Chew Valley reservoir
Bristol Water's hailing the work to lower phosphorus levels
A ground-breaking trial has successfully demonstrated an environmentally friendly method for removing harmful phosphorus pollutants from Chew Valley Reservoir, say Bristol Water which has worked with partner Rookwood on it.
The project, initiated in August 2025, utilised Rookwood's Phosphate Recovery Material (PRM) at Herriotts Mill Pool, a pivotal site connected to the reservoir in Somerset.
Phosphorus can become a significant pollutant when present in large quantities, promoting harmful algae growth and degrading biodiversity in water systems.
The PRM is deployed in permeable cartridges that filter water, operating entirely passively without the need for power and fitting seamlessly within the existing water flow infrastructure.
According to Liam Pearce, Chief Commercial Officer at Rookwood Operations, the trial consistently removed phosphate, improving water quality even during low-nutrient periods and capturing additional nutrients.
Once saturated, the cartridges are repurposed as slow-release fertiliser, creating a circular, eco-friendly purification process.
Helen Gavin of South West Water remarked on the importance of managing reservoir water for ecological and treatment purposes, acknowledging the practicality and sustainability of the material in meeting Bristol Water's quality improvement goals.
The successful results of this trial have led Bristol Water and Rookwood Operations to consider broader applications of the technology throughout the region.
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