Communities across the Andover area can find out how a new pipeline will improve the resilience of their water supplies at a series of drop-in sessions being held by Southern Water next month.

The multi-million pound Andover Link Main Project will see a new 22.5km pipeline installed between Winchester and Andover, supplying up to 15 million litres of drinking water each day – and reducing abstraction pressure on the River Anton, which feeds the globally renowned chalk stream, the River Test.

Southern Water’s project team, and specialist contractors, will be on hand to speak with customers at three drop-in events in October:

• Picket Piece Village Hall on Tuesday 7 October, from 4pm to 7pm
• Sparsholt Cricket Club on Thursday 9 October, from 4pm to 7pm
• Victoria Hall, Sutton Scotney, on Friday 17 October, from 4pm to 7pm

Ben Ring, Major Projects Director, said:

“It’s great to be taking the next step for our essential Andover Link Main. This pipeline will reduce pressure on Hampshire’s iconic chalk streams – helping keep them and our customers’ taps flowing, especially during a drought.

“We’ve worked with local stakeholders and planning authorities to develop a route that will minimise disruption for local residents. We are now asking customers for their views on the proposals before we submit our planning applications later this year.”

The pipeline is part of the Water for Life Hampshire Programme, which includes new water resources, like Havant Thicket Reservoir and the Hampshire Water Transfer and Water Recycling Project.

The UK is home to 85% of the world’s chalk streams and the River Test and River Itchen are two of the finest examples. The delicate ecosystems are home to a wide variety of plant and animal life and are often described as England’s “rainforests”.

Earlier this month Southern Water gave the water sector supply chain an early heads up on the forthcoming procurement process for the design and build of the the link main, which has a current estimated value of c £84 million.