Annual Report on Conservation, Recreation and Access

Conservation

The Company's total licensed area of supply covers 868 sq km of an attractive part of Southern England between the South Downs and the coastal areas of Hampshire and West Sussex . It includes the historic cities of Portsmouth and Chichester, and the popular holiday resorts of Bognor Regis, Selsey and Hayling Island . The harbours of Portsmouth , Langstone, Chichester and Pagham have a number of important environmental designations under the EU Habitats Directive and are popular water activity venues.

Biodiversity Action Plan - Policy and Practice

The Company's policy is to conserve and enhance the natural environment of its land and water areas and to preserve historic buildings and equipment, so far as is consistent with the primary duty of providing a sufficient supply of wholesome water at reasonable cost. Where possible the Company explores opportunities to encourage recreational use.

The Company has a long history of good practice in consultation and development in an area with many important wildlife sites and with landscape appreciated by residents and a large number of visitors. When new structures and buildings are required, the Company's policy is to ensure that, by careful design and landscaping, they blend into their surroundings. We continue to give full consideration to the environmental aspects of all our activities throughout our area of supply.

Sustainable Procurement

In procuring goods and services, the Company's practices are as follows:-

•  The environmental impact of new capital schemes are investigated as appropriate and sensitive sites are either avoided or mitigation measures carried out, subject to independent ecological advice.

•  New capital schemes are designed and constructed so as to blend with their existing surroundings as far as is economic and practicable.

•  Opportunities for environmental enhancement are taken where it is economic and practicable to do so.

•  The potential archaeological impact of new capital schemes is investigated prior to commencement of work and monitored during implementation, subject to independent advice.

•  Recycling or re-use of excavated materials is carried whenever economic and practicable.

•  All vehicles used have diesel engines with Euro 4 reduced emissions.

•  Diesel fuel has a low sulphur content, with benefits to exhaust emissions.

•  Timber used is from replanted forests.

•  85% of reinstatement material is recycled.

•  We ensure that our pipe suppliers have suitable policies for control of pollution, resource management and material selection.

Other Environmental Projects

A study into the sustainability of abstraction from the River Itchen has continued.

The River Itchen is a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC), and a major study was conducted into the ecological and environmental impacts of abstraction from and discharges to the river. It involved complex river and groundwater models and comprehensive ecological surveys. The study examined whether Habitats Directive species, including the otter, salmon, white-clawed crayfish, water crowfoot and southern damselfly were adversely affected by the activities of water companies. Work done under the study has also highlighted the potentially adverse effects on salmon spawning of sediments washed off land adjacent to the river. These sediments can clog the gravel on the riverbed, preventing salmon from hatching.

We are continuing to work with the Environment Agency and Southern Water to determine the best options for:-

•  Minimising the potential impact of abstraction on salmon migration, southern damselfly and invertebrates.

•  Reducing the level of nutrients discharged into the river from sewage treatment installation

Chichester and Langstone Harbours are Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the Habitats Directive. A comprehensive ecological and hydrological study examined the effects on the Harbour and its wildlife of operating the Company's Fishbourne source within the existing abstraction licence. The study has focused particularly on the significance of an adequate freshwater flow into Chichester Harbour for wading birds and on maintaining a habitat for the rare Desmoulins Whorl Snail. Another study looked at the importance of freshwater flows into Langstone Harbour from the springs at Havant and Bedhampton.

Under the Habitats Regulations 1994, the Environment Agency will shortly be announcing its decisions in respect of any changes it deems necessary to our abstraction licences in order to safeguard species and habitats relying on freshwater flows in the River Itchen and into Chichester and Langstone Harbours

Amenities and Recreation

The Country Parks at Havant Thicket (in the George Staunton Country Park ) and Highwood Reservoir (in the Itchen Valley Country Park ) are open to the general public and managed by Local Authorities. At other sites there is limited access by public footpaths and bridleways.

At the Clanfield Service Reservoirs site, The Hampshire Astronomical Society has for many years operated a number of observatories for the benefit of its members. Small groups of members of the public are able to visit by prior arrangement with the Society.

Portsmouth Water's River Itchen treatment works is available for educational visits by schools, universities and other organised groups.