Southern Water has unveiled the latest developments in its plans to help keep Hampshire’s rivers and taps flowing – especially in a drought.
The plans are detailed in the company’s Water for Life – Hampshire programme. This industry-leading programme is part of Southern Water’s commitment to deliver 2 vital aims associated with delivering a resilient water future for Hampshire.
Firstly to protect the Rivers Test and Itchen, 2 of the world’s finest chalk streams, by substantially reducing the amount of water taken from them. Secondly, to safeguard vital public water supplies now and in future by making up the shortfall via alternative, sustainable sources.
The company has been developing a series of potential options to achieve these vital twin aims, alongside investment to reduce leakage and improve water efficiency.
A wide-ranging and collaborative assessment of these options with regulators and other statutory consultees, stakeholders, and customers has been completed including a detailed options appraisal process to consider their likely viability and potential impacts.
Options assessed included a desalination plant, several different configurations of water recycling, using advanced treatment techniques to turn what was previously regarded as wastewater into drinking water. The company is also exploring building a new pipeline to transport more water from the Havant Thicket Reservoir to Southern Water’s Otterbourne Water Supply Works in consultation with Portsmouth Water.
From the options appraisal process, water recycling and water transfers were assessed as preferable, particularly when impacts on the environment were considered. Desalination, ranked lower than these options.
Consequently, Southern Water has written to its regulators informing them that it is continuing to explore its proposals for water recycling and water transfer solutions and not intending to further develop plans for desalination.
Mark Wintringham, Head of Delivery for Water for Life – Hampshire, said:
“The need for new resources is driven by reductions in the amount of water we can take from Hampshire’s rivers during a drought and accelerated by climate change and a growing population.
“As a result, we are developing a holistic approach to the water resources challenge in Hampshire that will put the county at the vanguard of sustainable water resources solutions.
“Our proposals, which include investing to reduce leakage and improve water efficiency, will help keep Hampshire’s rivers and taps flowing for us and future generations and pave the way for similar approaches for the rest of the region and indeed the country.”
Southern Water is now progressing further investigations and development of the remaining options ahead of its next submission to regulators in December, 2021, where it will select its preferred solution, before carrying out further engagement and consultation, and starting the planning process.
Submission documents will be shared on Southern Water’s website in the next 2 weeks. For more information, visit: www.southernwater.co.uk/our-story/water-for-life-hampshire
Or they could stop building more houses ?
Or focus upon leak prevention through lining or replacement of pipe. Sewer AND supply.
Hint!! When filling a bath, remember to put the plug in!
There is plenty of water along the Undercliff which they could collect and at the same time improve the stability of the area. Might enable the council to re-open Undercliff Drive.
Simple answer is to collect river water from the outflow near the sea, not the source or points along such.
It ought to be obvious to even the most foolish to collect water from rivers JUST before it enters the seaside.
That way all the water could be taken without harming the river level upstream and, as it is going into the salty water, most wildlife dare not venture that far down stream so less harmful to wildlife.
Too easy, rather spend milllions of OUR money instead.
I wonder how much poo they’ve discharged around the IW coast with this weekend’s heavy rain?
What has this to do with the IOW?