FAQs

Put simply, installing two pipelines now has the potential to:

• Significantly reduce disruption for residents
• Lower impacts on the environment
• Minimise costs for those customers paying for the scheme

Portsmouth Water is creating a new pipeline to take spring water from Bedhampton to the reservoir and draw it out when needed.

If the water recycling scheme, known as the Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project, receives approval in future, a pipeline following a similar route would also be needed.

By adding a second pipeline now, we can future proof the reservoir and avoid the need to install additional pipelines at a later date. This would have real benefits for those living in Havant, as well as the local environment here.

Absolutely not. The water recycling scheme, known as the Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project, can only go ahead if it receives its own planning approval.

This second pipeline would only be used to transport highly treated recycled water if the Southern Water recycling project is approved. This decision will be made via central government, under a Development Consent Order.

No, Portsmouth Water will still benefit from having a second pipeline. For instance, if maintenance is needed on one pipeline, the other can continue to be in operation. Plus, one pipeline can send water to the reservoir, while the other draws it out, allowing the reservoir to be used more flexibly in future.

Southern Water’s drinking water customers are paying, not only for this additional pipeline, but ultimately the whole Havant Thicket Reservoir project. If you receive your drinking water from Portsmouth Water, you will not see an increase in your bills as a result of the scheme, even if Southern Water deals with your wastewater.

If the water recycling scheme receives permission and goes ahead in future, a second pipeline will be needed. If it’s not already in place, Southern Water will need to construct this when they start work.

As with all construction work, this will inevitably cause disruption to local people, the environment and increase costs. Havant Thicket Reservoir itself may also need to be drained, and additional tunnels created through the embankment, to install this pipeline.