South West Water plans to improve its treatment system at College Lake to provide safer drinking water.
The plans aim to meet new government regulations and reduce the risks associated with pesticides and carcinogenic molecules in the water.
A new treatment plant has been proposed.
In a planning document, South West Water said: "Visually the new plant and equipment will blend with other existing structures and erections in existence within the water treatment works boundaries."
Cornwall Council's planning department has decided that the plans do not need an Environmental Impact Assessment.
A full planning application is yet to be made.
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