WRc Case Study

The Need      A major problem associated with water supply from upland areas is dissolved organic carbon (DOC) which discolours raw water supplies. This can be both difficult and expensive to remove at water treatment works. To combat rising colour trends, Severn Trent Water has been restoring degraded peatland in its Bamford catchment to address the root causes of colour production. As part of the PR19 business planning process, Severn Trent Water wished to evaluate options for continuing this programme of peatland restoration work in AMP7. The Solution Working closely with the Moors for the Future Partnership, WRc assessed the options for continued peatland restoration work and applied a six stage model for predicting future recovery trajectories in the Bamford catchment. The ecosystem service benefits for water quality, biodiversity, recreation, greenhouse gas emissions and downstream flood control were quantified and valued using a combination of direct valuation and transfer value techniques. WRc compiled the results into a spreadsheet based tool, which allowed the client to perform a cost benefit analysis for a range of business plan scenarios. Click here to read more