Water

Water is a valuable resource and brings us a variety of benefits. It is essential for the environment and local wildlife, has a significant impact on the local landscape and is important to our economy and our health. In Test Valley most of our drinking water comes from local groundwater or surface water sources (e.g. rivers and lakes). The River Test is a key asset within the Borough, which is of national ecological importance and a recreational resource (e.g. the Test Way).

Demand for water has been increasing over time, including as a result of growth in population and changes in the way we use water (DEFRA). The Environment Agency has set out that the average person in England and Wales uses about 150 litres of water a day – most of this is used for washing and flushing toilets.

There is particular pressure on water resources in the south east, where rainfall is generally lower and there are a greater number of people living in this area. Test Valley is one of many areas in the east and south east of England to have been classified as an area of serious water stress by the Environment Agency (which relates rainfall levels to the demand for water). Forecast changes in climate, along with changes to population and lifestyles, are expected to increase demand for water in the future.

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 at the bottom of the page include a number of tips and measures that you can consider.

There are a number of different companies supplying water to the residents of Test Valley – Southern Water covers the majority of the Borough. Over the period up to 2015, Southern Water is rolling out water metering to its customers - more information about this scheme, including when you can expect your water meter to be installed, is available from Southern Water’s website (link provided below).