Strategic infrastructure to meet tomorrow’s challenges
Supplied by water intakes at Quai du Portillon in Tours, the current plant currently treats iron and manganese but can no longer fully meet new water quality challenges. Considering evolving knowledge about micropollutants, particularly certain pesticide residues and PFAS*, as well as the region’s population growth, Tours Métropole Val de Loire has decided to invest in a new treatment plant.
Located near the Ménardière reservoir, the future plant will complement the existing facilities to improve the quality of water supplied to residents of Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, Tours Nord, and neighboring municipalities. Designed to adapt to future regulations, it represents an investment in securing the region’s drinking water supply.
A mobilized consortium of expertise
To carry out this project, Tours Métropole Val de Loire is relying on a consortium that brings together the complementary expertise of Stereau (Saur group), NGE, and Actemium Armor.
Work began this summer with a preparatory phase, ahead of the launch of the main civil engineering operations this fall. The first few months will be devoted to constructing the underground structures designed for water storage and flow. The project will continue with the construction of the building that will house the treatment equipment, with commissioning scheduled for spring 2028.
A new plant designed to combine performance and sustainability
The future treatment facility will incorporate a combination of processes designed to improve water quality while conserving water resources. By combining the CarboPlus® activated carbon process, Filtralite® filtration, and low-pressure reverse osmosis membrane treatment, this “next generation” plant will enhance the removal of organic matter and micropollutants, particularly pesticide residues and PFAS*.
Beyond its treatment performance, the project is part of a comprehensive environmental approach. The building will incorporate photovoltaic energy generation, be seamlessly integrated into the surrounding architecture and landscape, and dedicate more than one-third of its footprint to green spaces.
*PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): chemicals that persist in the environment, the presence of which is subject to increasing monitoring and regulation.
Key figures:
- 1,200 m³/h nominal capacity for the future plant, spread over 3 levels, with a height of 12 m and a floor area of 1,600 m²
- 3,000 m³ of specialized concrete for the civil engineering structure in contact with treated water, featuring high-rise walls up to 8 m tall
- 1,600 m² of floor area for the future plant
- 5,000 m² project footprint
- 35% of the site dedicated to green spaces
- 755 m² of photovoltaic panels installed on the roof
"As the lead contractor for the consortium, Stereau is designing the treatment process for the future plant in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire by leveraging proven solutions such as CarboPlus® combined with low-pressure reverse osmosis membrane treatment. In the face of the growing challenge posed by micropollutants and PFAS, this project demonstrates our ability to combine technological expertise with the ability to manage demanding projects. "
"On this project, NGE is responsible for carrying out highly technical civil engineering works. The key challenge lies in ensuring the watertightness and durability of the structures, using concrete mixes tailored to the most demanding exposure classes. This project is part of our commitment to developing sustainable infrastructure capable of addressing the growing challenges related to access to, quality of, and management of water resources. "
"Actemium, an industrial brand of VINCI Energies, will carry out all the electrical, automation, and monitoring work required for the operation of this future plant. This large-scale project will draw on the teams and expertise of Actemium Armor to support the construction of a facility that is essential to the Tours Métropole region. Based in western France, Actemium Armor is proud to contribute its expertise to a project aimed at integrating cutting-edge technologies to treat emerging micropollutants. "