St George's Ladies Group

On 26th February Kevin Barnett from the Portsmouth Water Company gave us a talk. He has been with the firm for 33 years.

In the developing world 1.4 billion people do not have access to water.

Portsmouth Water Company covers areas such as Littlehampton, Fareham, Eastleigh and West Meon; there are 270,000 domestic customers. The Company started in 1857 and in 2007 it celebrated its 150th annivsary.

In 1976 there was a drought. The springs in Havant and Bedhampton were shown on slides where a pump is put into a borehole which is drilled down to the water.

A borehole is 100 metres deep. At Worlds End Pumping Station near the Chairmakers Pub it is 130 metres deep. The oldest borehole is at Fishbourne Pumping Station, 1874.

The men have to wear harness and hats etc for safety, the borehole is very small and deep. The Eastergate Well near Chichester is wide and shallow.

Our water comes from the River Itchen. River water is not so good quality. It goes through various treatments like removing large pieces of wood and smaller objects like pebbles, and sulphuric acid takes away the nasty taste. Also sludge is removed.

If the pumping station should ever stop working, we would be out of water within two days.

In 1976 during the drought, a hose pipe ban was enforced, this is the only time Portsmouth Water Company has had the need to do this, and they are very proud of this.

During the night when we are all asleep, investigations are being dealt with for leakages. They are easier to find now than in previous years, they are found by noises which are made under the road.

The company receive 170 calls a day, the phone is answered by real, friendly people every time.

Kevin had “Save Water Flush Bags” for anyone who would like one, to put in the toilet system to save water by using less when flushing the toilet.

Some land in the “Thicket” was purchase in 1965, but it was shelved. Then in 1972 the land at the River Itchen was purchased. The Headquarters for the Company used to be at Commercial Road Portsmouth in 1967.

A very interesting talk, we didn’t realise how water could be so interesting before the tap gets turned on.

Priscilla Barlow