Rillieux-la-Pape Water Treatment Plant Undergoing Major Renovation to Secure Lyon’s Water Supply
Rillieux-la-Pape, January 22, 2026 – The La Pape drinking water plant in Rillieux-la-Pape has commenced a significant renovation and expansion project. This initiative is designed to bolster the security of Lyon’s metropolitan drinking water supply, with completion anticipated by the end of 2027. The upgrades will enable the plant to function as a fully operational backup site in the event of a failure at the primary Crépieux-Charmy catchment area.
A Key Component in the Region’s Water Balance
The Crépieux-Charmy catchment area currently serves as the primary source of drinking water for the Lyon metropolitan area. It extracts 220,000 cubic meters of water daily from the Rhône’s alluvial aquifer, which is naturally potable and then distributed across the region after passing through the Croix Luizet plant.
Complementing this, the La Pape plant in Rillieux-la-Pape treats surface water from the Lac des Eaux Bleues in Miribel Jonage. This facility represents the second strategic drinking water resource for the metropolis. In the event of a primary catchment failure, the La Pape plant is activated to purify the lake water and ensure the region’s continued supply.
Restoring Production Capacity Amidst Evolving Resource Quality
Commissioned in 1989, the La Pape plant was initially designed for a production capacity of 150,000 cubic meters per day. This capacity has since been reduced to 75,000 cubic meters per day. The reduction is attributed to a treatment process that has become inadequate for the current quality of the lake water, which has deteriorated in recent years due to factors including climate change.
The current renovation and extension project aims to guarantee, by the end of 2027, a backup drinking water production capacity that meets current regulatory quality standards and can be immediately mobilized during a crisis.
A Co-financed Project Structured Around Three Key Objectives
Co-financed by the Rhône Méditerranée Corse Water Agency, the project addresses a threefold objective:
- To adapt the treatment chain of the La Pape plant to the evolving quality of the Lac des Eaux Bleues water, incorporating a clarification stage and activated carbon filtration to reduce organic matter and micropollutants.
- To restore the plant’s initial production capacity, enabling it to meet the drinking water supply needs of the Lyon metropolitan area within a few hours.
- To eventually be capable of purifying a second water resource, the Saône, to diversify the region’s water supply sources.
A Structuring Industrial Project for the Water Sector
The planned works include:
- The demolition of current ozofloatation structures used for algae removal.
- The construction of a new Water Building integrating a decantation and ozonation zone for organic and suspended matter, as well as an activated carbon clarification zone for micropollutant treatment.
- The replacement of the current disinfection system with UV treatment to eliminate bacteriological pollution.
- The complete reconstruction of reagent storage and sludge treatment workshops.
Eau du Grand Lyon awarded the design-build contract to a consortium of companies comprising OTV (lead contractor), Campenon-Bernard Centre Est, Razel-Bec, Itesya, Gauthey Industrie, Artelia, and Zeppelin Architectes.
The project is being managed with the support of a project management assistance group consisting of Naldeo (lead contractor), Cabinet Merlin, Terrarcanne, and Cabanes Avocats, who are assisting Eau du Grand Lyon at every stage of the operation.
A Metropolitan Investment of 64 Million Euros
The rehabilitation project for the La Pape plant represents a total investment of 64 million euros. Of this amount, 60 million euros are allocated to the plant’s construction, with 1.6 million euros financed by the Rhône Méditerranée Corse Water Agency. The remaining balance is covered by Eau du Grand Lyon.
The target commissioning date is set for early 2028.
Source: Eau du Grand Lyon, Rhône Méditerranée Corse Water Agency
