South Downs National Park strengthens commitment to water as new report is published

A new report has found that 90% of waterways in Sussex fail to meet good ecological standards, prompting concern from environmental groups.

The study, by the South Downs National Park Authority, highlighted sewage discharges, pesticides and road runoff as key causes of poor water quality in rivers, lakes and estuaries.

Southern Water said it shares the aim of protecting national parks and is investing in reducing storm overflows and upgrading treatment plants.

Recently Southern Water began carrying out surveys of the wastewater network in the Emsworth, Southbourne, Nutbourne and Chidham areas. 

The company says these investigations will help teams decide on the actions required to reduce storm overflows from Thornham Wastewater Treatment Works that enter Chichester Harbour – releases that happen when sewers and site are overloaded with surface and groundwater.  

Solutions could include relining or replacing sewer pipes so groundwater cannot get in, and the creation of Sustainable Drainage Schemes (SuDS) like raingardens, water butts and swales which slow the flow of surface water.  

This approach is part of the £1.5bn Clean Rivers and Seas Plan to drastically cut storm overflow numbers, and help protect the environment and Hampshire, Kent, Sussex and the Isle of Wight. 

Siôn McGeever, Chief Executive of the National Park Authority, said: “Water is fundamental to the biodiversity, landscape, and wellbeing of communities in and around the South Downs National Park.

“We also know that improving the water environment is really important to people as they’ve told us in our recent consultation for the Partnership Management Plan.

“Therefore we want the National Park to play a leading role in improving water courses so they can be healthier and richer in wildlife.

“This is a commitment we’re making knowing that there are a huge number of complex challenges ahead, from individual behaviour, to climate change and national policy. But we know this amazing landscape that’s been designated for the nation deserves to have cleaner, healthier water.”

And Siôn added: “Our powers and resources as a National Park are actually quite limited, so we want to bring everyone together, from water companies to landowners and river trusts, to use our collective strength to tackle this issue.

“Work to improve our water is already under way across the region as part of many different projects and partnerships, but we need more of them and with greater resources.

“This won’t be an overnight fix and recovery will happen over many, many years. Under our ReNature initiative and emerging PMP, we’ve set our ambitious goal for more nature everywhere for everyone and this can only happen by prioritising water in the landscape.

“We’ve already seen how nature can bounce back due to better river management in places like the River Meon and Cockshut Stream, so that’s hugely encouraging moving forward.”

You can read more of the report and its findings by going to this link from the South Downs National Park South Downs National Park strengthens commitment to water as new report is published - South Downs National Park Authority