Reservoir pipelines
From 6 November to 18 December 2023 we ran a consultation on our updated proposals for new pipelines that need to be built as part of the Havant Thicket Reservoir scheme - to transport water from Bedhampton Springs to the reservoir, as well as take water out for supply to customers, when required.
Many thanks to everyone who gave us their comments, ideas and questions. All the feedback we received helped shape the planning application we submitted to Havant Borough Council in May 2024. We're awaiting determination of the application in the opening part of 2025.
Why we consulted further
Earlier this year, we showed you our innovative, new plan to tunnel most of the reservoir pipeline route underground, instead of digging up public roads and pavements. By using micro-tunnelling technology, rather than an “open-cut” technique, this new proposal would reduce disruption for you and minimise the impact on your local environment.
Since then, we’ve identified further opportunities to improve the pipeline design. We’re now proposing to install two separate pipelines to pump spring water to the reservoir and draw it out. This would give us another option, in case we need to do maintenance, or want to take water to and from the reservoir at the same time.
What’s more, if Southern Water's Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project was to happen in the future, the second pipeline tunnel could be used. This doesn’t mean the water recycling proposals, which would involve supplementing the reservoir with recycled water, are going ahead.
It’s important to note that the pipelines planning application we submitted in May 2024 only seeks permission for us to transport spring water from Bedhampton to Havant Thicket Reservoir, and back again.
A completely separate planning application (for a Development Consent Order) needs to be submitted by Southern Water for the Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project. Only if Southern Water received planning consent for the water recycling scheme, would this additional source of water be added to the reservoir. Southern Water consulted on the Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project in Summer 2024.
Consultation information
To find out more about our updated Havant Thicket Reservoir pipelines proposals, you can download a copy of our consultation leaflet.
We also provided a Google Earth-style interactive digital map of the proposed pipelines route, so you can view the route in detail.
