Residents are concerned about plans for a new water recycling scheme in Hampshire. 

The Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project is a proposal by Southern Water (SW) to build a new water recycling plant in Havant. 

It would take some of the wastewater going to Budds Farm for treatment, before being pumped to the new Havant Thicket Reservoir and the water would mix with the spring water filling the reservoir.

However, several issues have been raised about the environmental impact and potential changes to the water. They were brought up at a public meeting hosted by the East Hampshire Green Party in early November.

At the meeting, campaigner Tracy Viney, a former Portsmouth Water employee, said: “There are 40 key concerns about the plan and we know that it is going to be different for the biodiversity in the reservoir. There is going to be a significant change in the water composition.”

“The risk of pollution is one of the biggest concerns. Two years ago we had a big incident where contaminated water got through to some of the clean water tanks.

“The people of Winchester lost their water supply for a good few days while they tried to clean up the tanks and there was another significant incident at Hardham in West Sussex last year.”

In addition to the plant, a 40 km pipeline would be built to Otterbourne so water can be pumped there for further treatment, before supplying water to west Hampshire residents. People opposing the plans argue the pipeline’s construction would cause disruption and loss of habitat. 

The Havant Matters group also pointed out why more sustainable solutions are not being considered and the extra cost to SW customers.

Residents have until December 4 to respond to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs consultation about the proposal.