Key milestone over next stage of Havant Thicket Reservoir project to create pipeline
Key milestone over creation of pipeline to feed new water reservoir
A key milestone has been reached on the Havant Thicket Reservoir project, as Portsmouth Water appoints Clancy to deliver the next stage of work needed to move water across the area.
Clancy will build a new pumping station at Farlington Water Treatment Works and install a new pipeline connecting the works with a storage reservoir for treated drinking water just north of Portchester.
Under the approved plans for the Havant Thicket Reservoir project, water from the reservoir will be sent to Portsmouth Water’s Farlington Water Treatment Works, where it will be treated to strict drinking water standards.
This new pipeline will be used to move the water across the region, helping Southern Water reduce the amount of water it takes from two precious Hampshire chalk streams, the River Test and River Itchen.
The new pipeline will be approximately 8.5km long and will be able to move up to 32.4 million litres of water per day, enough to fill around 400,000 bathtubs.
Portsmouth Water said the route has been designed to minimise disruption, with most of the pipeline running through farmland and avoiding roads wherever possible. Trenchless construction methods will also be used at key points to reduce the impact on local communities and the environment.
Work is due to begin in December and is expected to be completed in early 2030.
Bob Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Portsmouth Water, said: “This is another important milestone for the Havant Thicket Reservoir project and we’re delighted to welcome Clancy on board. They have more than 60 years of experience and bring considerable expertise in delivering major civil engineering projects.
“We’ve worked hard to design the route in a way that keeps disruption to a minimum, but we know there will inevitably be some impact. Keeping local people informed and listening to communities will be a really important part of how we deliver the work. We’ll be out talking to people, holding meetings and drop-in sessions and making sure there are plenty of opportunities to speak directly to our teams.
“Ultimately, this work is about delivering the core purpose of Havant Thicket Reservoir: helping to protect the River Test and River Itchen, two incredibly precious chalk streams here in Hampshire.”
Matt Cannon, Chief Executive Officer at Clancy, said: “Havant Thicket Reservoir is one of the UK’s most important new water resource projects, and we are proud to be helping Portsmouth Water to construct the critical infrastructure its network needs to support this development.
“We will be bringing together skilled, directly employed teams and specialist local supply chain partners to deliver the scheme, from the new pumping station and mechanical and electrical systems to the 8.5km pipeline to move treated water across the network. Our focus throughout will be on safe, precise and efficient delivery that also protects the environment and minimises disruption to the community.
“This appointment builds on Clancy’s longstanding experience in building and strengthening complex infrastructure in the region. As the water sector faces growing pressure from our changing climate and rising demand, we’re looking forward to working on this project to secure future water resilience and protect Hampshire’s ecologically important chalk streams.”
Reducing the environmental impact of the work and supporting local communities will be an important part of how the scheme is delivered. Clancy plans to use innovative technology and materials, including no-carbon concrete, as well as creating employment opportunities for local people.
The new infrastructure forms part of the approved Havant Thicket Reservoir project, which received planning permission in 2021 and is largely fed from Bedhampton Springs. It is separate from the proposed Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project lead by Southern Water which, if approved, would see treated waste water added to the reservoir to increase its capacity.
Havant Thicket Reservoir is the first new reservoir to be built in the UK in more than 30 years. Once complete, it will provide a new source of water for the region to help protect the River Test and River Itchen.
The contract is valued at £26.84 million. Upfront funding for the reservoir is being provided by infrastructure investor Ancala and a consortium of leading banks. The project will be paid for over time through Southern Water customers’ drinking water bills.