What is the River Itchen Sustainability Study?
The Study is concerned with the long-term management of the River Itchen candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) to meet the needs of both wildlife and people. In particular with determining the impact of water company operations.
Why is it needed?
The goal is to achieve reliable, environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable water resource management of the river. Recent public attention on water resources has served to illustrate the often fragile balance which exists between the demands for a safe, reliable system of public water supply and those of the environment. This invesitgation is part of the Environment Agency's National Environment Programme and funding was allowed through the third period review of water company charges. For more information on the aims of the study, see the Scoping Report (381kb).
Where does the study area cover?
The Study area covers the River Itchen, Hampshire, and the surrounding groundwater catchment area. The area has been divided into six management units. For a description of the management units, and a map of the Study area, see the page About the Study.
Who is involved?
The Study was commissioned by the River Itchen Steering Group which is made up of the relevant competent authorities (Environment Agency, and the two water companies, Southern Water and Portsmouth Water, Hampshire County Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, Winchester City Council), together with English Nature and DEFRA. Southern Water and the Environment Agency are the largest contributors to the funding of the Study.
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Date Last Updated: January 2005