Pulborough groundwater study
Back in early 2021, we began a major scientific investigation into how much water we take from the Pulborough groundwater source. This work followed concerns raised in 2019 by Natural England and the Environment Agency about possible impacts on nearby protected wetlands.
To make sure the findings were independent and scientifically strong, the study was carried out by specialist consultants, Atkins Realis. A steering group – including technical experts from the Environment Agency, Natural England, the RSPB and Sussex Wildlife Trust – oversaw the work. This investigation brought together more than 25 years of studies into the area and focused on three environmentally important sites: Pulborough Brooks, Waltham Brooks and Amberley Wild Brooks.
The aim was to fully understand whether our groundwater abstraction (the amount of water we pump from the ground) could harm these internationally protected wetlands, and what levels would be environmentally safe in future. To do this, the team carried out detailed fieldwork and advanced modelling to assess how water moves through the ground and wetlands, and how sensitive habitats might respond.
- Amberley Wild Brooks – no risk of adverse effect on integrity Monitoring and modelling confirmed there is no connection between our Pulborough groundwater abstraction and this site.
- Waltham Brooks – no risk of adverse effect on integrity
This area mainly sits on clay, not the aquifer we abstract from. - Pulborough Brooks – No harmful impact on the site
This site is more closely connected to the aquifer, so further analysis was carried out. Advanced modelling showed that our current abstraction rate of 13 million litres per day does not harm the protected habitats or species.
