Water
Water is a valuable resource. It is essential for our health and wellbeing, the environment and local wildlife. It has a significant impact on the local landscape and is important to our economy.
In Test Valley, most of our drinking water comes from local groundwater or surface water sources (e.g. rivers and lakes). The River Test, a chalk stream, is a key and valuable asset within the Borough, which is of national ecological importance and a recreational resource (e.g. the Test Way). With only around 200 existing worldwide, chalk streams provide an ecologically rare home for a whole host of wildlife including water vole, brown trout, and southern damselfly (Source: Watercress and Winterbournes, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust).
There is particular pressure on water resources in the southeast, where rainfall is generally lower and there are a greater number of people living in this area. Changes in climate, along with changes to population and lifestyles, are expected to increase demand for water in the future.
Water delivered to our homes and businesses is treated and cleaned before we use it. This process as well as heating our water uses energy and contributes to our carbon emissions. There are a number of simple measures we can take to reduce the amount of water we use, which cumulatively can make a difference. Such measures can include fixing dripping taps, consider using more water-efficient appliances and using water butts. The links on the page include a number of tips and measures that you can consider.
You may also be able access additional advice and support from the company that supplies your water. We have provided links for the water supply companies that serve the majority of residents in the Borough.
Southern Water: https://www.southernwater.co.uk/help-advice/how-to-save-water
Bournemouth Water: https://www.bournemouthwater.co.uk/advice-and-services/save-water/
Wessex Water: https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/help-and-advice/your-water/save-water