The first stage of a two-part emergency project to repair a slipped bank alongside South East Water’s Ardingly Reservoir is getting underway this month.
Heavy gravel bags will be positioned to stabilise the reservoir’s bank – close to Ardingly Activity Centre - which deteriorated in the summer.
The slippage worsened during the summer of 2022 when the reservoir was low. The water company said it is now at a stage where it needs to carry out urgent repairs to prevent further damage and potential impact to water quality.
For safety, Ardingly Activity Centre will only be offering limited activities while the repairs are carried out.
The repair work is being split into two phases - construction work on the first phase, which is a temporary solution, began yesterday and will continue until mid-July.
The first phase of the project involves a large crane situated upon a pontoon lowering heavy gravel bags into the water at the base of the slippage area to prevent the slippage worsening. #
A permanent solution is being planned with several options under consideration – South East Water engineers are still in the process of planning a long-term fix for the slipped bank.
Chris Love, South East Water’s Delivery Manager, said:
“Unfortunately, the slipped bank is continuing to worsen and we must act now to prevent further damage and possible water quality issues.
“This will be a very complex project which involves building a pontoon on the water and using large cranes to lower gravel bags into the water at the base of the bank.
“We’re very sorry the Activity Centre has had to reduce the water sports it offers during this period and for the inconvenience the restricted use of the car park and footpaths will cause, but it is important to understand this project is vital to ensure the long-term enjoyment of the reservoir.
The water company will provide an update on its plans for a long-term fix once they have beenwill update this page with our plans for a long-term fix once they have been finalised. finalised. The work forms part of South East Water’s commitment to invest more than £489 million into improving its network between 2020 and 2025.
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