The ongoing water crisis in Basingstoke, Hampshire, has sparked intense scrutiny and accusations against South East Water. The council leader, Councillor Paul Harvey, has accused the water company of causing significant environmental damage to Greywell Fen, a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This has led to a crisis that threatens the water supply for tens of thousands of local residents and businesses.
The Environment Agency (EA) has refused to renew South East Water's abstraction licence at Greywell, citing the company's failure to invest in alternative infrastructure and its over-abstraction of water. The EA's decision is supported by Natural England, which has stated that South East Water's actions are causing 'significant environmental impacts' and harming Greywell Fen. The site's current condition is classified as 'Unfavourable Declining', indicating a dire state of affairs.
What makes this situation particularly concerning is the company's own admission of the problem. South East Water's Water Resources Management Plan, published in October 2024, set a target to cease abstraction at Greywell by 2025. However, they missed this deadline, and now they are appealing the EA's decision to enforce this commitment. This appeal, if unsuccessful, could lead to a severe and immediate water shortage for thousands of local residents and businesses, as South East Water estimates that up to 70,000 customers are at risk.
The council's fury is further fueled by South East Water's delay in implementing a strategic solution. A proposed pipeline from the Surrey Hills Service Reservoir to Basingstoke has been in the works for years, but the route has not been confirmed, and the pipeline has yet to be built. South East Water's own communication reveals that the project is expected to be delivered in the early 2030s, but it is currently subject to a review to identify the most suitable pipeline route. The delay is attributed to funding issues, with Ofwat disallowing funding for the scheme and a funding dispute ongoing with the Competition and Markets Authority.
The crisis extends beyond water supply, as South East Water has already informed the council that there is insufficient water supply capacity to support government-mandated housing growth targets and commercial development. This highlights the broader implications of the company's actions on the area's future prosperity. Additionally, the council points out sewage infrastructure failures, such as the Basingstoke Sewage Treatment Works operating under a Maximum Daily Volume permit and Southern Water's Whitchurch works exceeding permitted discharge limits.
In response to the situation, the council has set out four demands for South East Water: a legally binding timeline to build the Surrey Hills-Basingstoke pipeline, a transparent public account of funding, a funded and independently monitored remediation plan for Greywell Fen, and a full and unreserved public apology and admission of liability to customers. Councillor Harvey and cabinet member for strategic planning, Councillor Andy Konieczko, emphasize that the people of Basingstoke did not create this crisis and deserve better.
South East Water, however, remains defiant. Oliver Martin, strategy and regulation director, expressed disappointment with the EA's decision and argued that immediately stopping abstraction would have a severe impact on local communities. He stated that the company's primary priority is the safety and well-being of its customers and that the appeal process ensures the continuity of water supply while long-term solutions are developed. Martin also urged customers to use water wisely, especially during the summer months when demand increases.
The future of Basingstoke's water supply remains uncertain, with the appeal process ongoing. The council's demands and South East Water's response highlight the need for a swift and effective resolution to this crisis, ensuring the well-being of the local community and the protection of the environment.
