The Portsmouth Water review of demand and resources, undertaken in line with national guidance, has not identified a shortfall in water resources for our Customers. Despite this the Havant Thicket Reservoir could still be needed as part of a regional solution to help meet the predicted shortfall in water resources in South East England. As a result the Company has set out in its Draft Water Resources Management Plan:

• A Base Plan which includes two new bulk supplies to adjacent water companies
• An Alternative Plan which also includes demand control measures, a water recovery scheme and the Havant Thicket Reservoir

Timescales for delivery remain uncertain. Further information on the Reservoir is provided in the Stakeholder Update with more information on the Public Consultation on our website.

An excellent partnership project which has just come to fruition providing a new all weather path from Staunton Country Park to the Forestry Commission land at Havant Thicket, opening up all year round access across Portsmouth Water land for cycling, mobility scooters and walking, to link in to 10km of existing off road tracks.

As the link path was needed across Portsmouth Water land on the edge of Rowlands Castle, we have led / managed the project which has involved; moving back the fence line to provide more space for the path, clearing vegetation, digging out a ditch to improve drainage and providing a 300m length of 2.5m surfaced path. The project was also supported by funding from Hampshire County Council and local councillors. We were even able to encourage Clancy Dowcra, one of contractors working on a nearby building project for us, to donate 5 lorry loads of recycled aggregate to the project for use as the sub-base to the path.

The press article provides some further information, as well as before / after pictures of the path and opening ceremony.

In order to fill the Havant Thicket Winter Storage Reservoir with water a pipeline must be constructed from the Havant & Bedhampton Springs to the reservoir site. The company has taken on board local resident’s feedback from the public consultation exercise in 2008 and ensured that; 

• Where practical the proposed pipeline route will run through the open space alongside the Hermitage Steam & Riders Lane Stream.
• Every effort has been made to avoid the main roads through Bedhampton and Leigh Park.
• Every effort has been made to avoid private gardens and allotments.
• A route has been selected which minimises the environmental impact.

The pipeline is likely to be constructed in most areas by normal trenching techniques. The top of the pipe will be buried at least 900mm below ground level. Only short sections of the trench would be excavated at any one time to help minimise local disruption to residents and traffic. The ground surface and any planting will be reinstated upon completion of the construction to restore the existing land use.

Newsletter 6 was published in September 2011. It provides an update on the Company's work at Havant Thicket and the Company Water Resources Management Plan.