AWWA ACE95013

Severn Trent Water (STW) supplies approximately 280 MLD to over one million customers in the Nottinghamshire region. 70% of this water is derived from underground sources with the remaining supplies taken from the River Derwent. Over the past 20 years, nitrate levels have been steadily rising in several boreholes as a result of the nitrogen fertilizers used in intensive farming. Many sources are now close to or above the maximum drinking water standard of 50 mg/l as NO3 specified in both the United Kingdom Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations, 1989 and the European Council's Drinking Water Directive. STW is committed to satisfying the demands of the regulatory bodies and was aware that full compliance for nitrate concentrations in both the Nottingham and Sherwood operating Districts could not be achieved without embarking on a long term action plan, hence the development of the Notts/Sherwood Groundwater Strategy.