Portsmouth Water has launched a comprehensive environmental study valued at £4 million to evaluate and implement the necessary actions for ensuring the sustainability of future water abstraction.
This week, the study began with drone surveys across seven river catchment areas, aiming to pinpoint key locations where habitats can be enhanced for the benefit of wildlife.
The supply area of Portsmouth Water includes rare and sensitive environments surrounding chalk streams and rivers. Over the next five years, the study will assess the environmental status and requirements of the Itchen, Ems, Meon, and Lavant rivers, along with the West Sussex rifes.
Portsmouth Water stated that this study will provide a clearer understanding of what is needed for all its rivers to achieve ‘good’ environmental status and whether this necessitates imposing limits on the amount of water the company abstracts from the ground in the future.
In today’s context, Portsmouth Water must supply an average of 178 million litres of water daily to over 740,000 people within the supply area. The current water resource management plan anticipates losses of up to 122 million litres per day from existing supplies over the next 25 years. To address this gap, the company is planning a combination of strategies, including working with customers to reduce water demand through its smart metering programme and exploring potential new water sources that do not directly draw from the environment.
The drones utilized in this initial phase of the study can conduct hydrological drainage assessments, flood risk surveys, habitat surveys, analyze land use, and identify pollution sources. By employing thermal applications to monitor temperature and flow changes, the study aims to develop a clearer picture of the environmental health of each area.
Future studies will also encompass flow and water quality monitoring, as well as investigations into fish and invertebrate populations. Once completed, this data will be made freely accessible to students, academics, and local interested parties. The water company indicated that the results of this work will influence Portsmouth Water’s strategic plans and provide evidence to support future investment initiatives.
Bob Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, remarked:
“Against the backdrop of climate change and population growth, Portsmouth Water’s mission is to provide an affordable, reliable, and crucially, a sustainable supply of high-quality water for all its customers.
“The drone surveys taking place this week are a critical step to gather insights across our watercourses, enabling us to protect the local environment while ensuring we can continue to meet our customers’ water needs.”
Source: Portsmouth Water
