A council did take part in a consultation on a major water recycling project that is aiming to keep taps flowing in drought conditions.

Southern Water is progressing plans for the Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project.

The utility company wants to create a new recycling plant to supplement Havant Thicket Reservoir.

The new plant in Havant would use advanced treatment techniques to turn treated wastewater from Budds Farm into purified recycled water.

Purified recycled water would be transferred to Havant Thicket Reservoir where it would be mix with spring water.

Water from the reservoir would then be pumped along a new pipeline to the Otterbourne Water Supply Works for further treatment to drinking water standards before going into supply.

It is said that the scheme will help to alleviate pressure on using natural water sources to supply homes and businesses across the county, including in Southampton.

Southern Water held a public consultation on the scheme this summer, however, after initially saying it was "not included", Southampton City Council has now confirmed it has responded.

Cllr John Savage, cabinet member for green city and net zero, said in a statement on November 21 that the council was aware of the consultation in the summer but was not included as the pipe is not planned to go through any of the authority's boundaries.

This prompted Southern Water to say that the council did receive a letter at the start of the consultation, outlining the proposals and how they could respond.

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But citing "significant developments", Cllr Savage said the council had now submitted comments on the plan before Southern Water's deadline.

“These comments addressed a wide range of measures outlined in the draft plan, going beyond the proposal for a water recycling plant," he said.

“In summary, Southampton City Council supports the comprehensive measures outlined in the draft plan to address rising demand, climate impacts, and support growth in Hampshire. The council emphasises the importance for Southern Water to ensure equitable sharing of costs for repairs and new infrastructure between consumers and shareholders. Furthermore, the council advocates for prioritising initiatives such as leak reduction and consumer education to minimise water usage before considering other measures.

“These collaborative efforts aim to enhance water management practices in our community for a sustainable and thriving future.”

Green Party councillor for Portswood Katherine Barbour said she no longer “trusted” Southern Water to do what is right for the community and the long-term health of residents.

She pointed to the issue of e.coli going into the River Itchen as an issue which still have not been addressed.

“This latest project is one where they can make a significant profit on the capital part of the construction,” Cllr Barbour said.

She added: “There are more sustainable solutions that are not being considered. A winter storage reservoir would be a better option.

“They could move the abstraction point further down the Itchen to allow the river to deal with the predicted droughts and increase in winter rainfall as climate change continues.

“This scheme is very expensive in terms of electricity usage and would have to operate 365 days per year even when not needed.”