Residents are being given the opportunity to ask Portsmouth Water and Southern Water questions about how water is provided in the future, taking into account the growing need and the pressures of climate change. This includes the proposed Hampshire Water Transfer and Recycling Project, which would use Havant Thicket Reservoir.
Following concerns raised by resident groups in the borough, The Leader of Havant Borough Council, Councillor Alex Rennie, is set to host and chair a public meeting being held at the Public Service Plaza, Civic Centre Road, Havant on Wednesday 15 February at 5pm.
Representatives from both water companies will be invited to answer questions put to them by residents on the proposals to recycle treated wastewater. Following further consultation on the detail of the project, it would then be submitted as a ‘Development Consent Order’ to the Secretary of State who, through examination of evidence and hearing the views of local stakeholders, will determine the outcome.
Councillor Alex Rennie said: “How we source fresh water is a critical issue for our society to address, with climate change making this increasingly challenging. The proposal to use enhanced treated wastewater would be the first time this technology would be used in this country. Given the Solent’s high quality environment, this proposal is a massive concern to our residents.
“I want to give our residents every opportunity to ask questions directly to both water companies on their proposals. This will enable them to take part in the consultation currently being run by Southern Water, with an informed opinion of the proposals.”
Residents who would like to attend the ‘Question and Answer’ session should express their interest here. Numbers will be limited to 150 owing to space available, therefore allocation will be on a first come first served basis only.
Advance notice of questions can be sent to AskUs@havant.gov.uk.
Anyone who is interested in watching the event, but does not wish to attend to ask a question can watch it from the link below.
Watch the meeting here