“Chalk Streams First” coalition has put forward proposals to cease or reduce abstraction from the Colne and Lea chalk streams.
Conservation and river organisations are working to tackle a major threat to our chalk streams in the Chilterns: groundwater abstraction for our water supply.
These streams are fed by groundwater – or aquifers – within the chalk. Pumping water from the groundwater to supply water for homes and businesses can cause low flows and can, in combination with drought like the one we're experiencing at the moment, can even cause the streams to dry out completely.
In 2019, 67% of the total length of chalk stream habitat in the Chilterns AONB was dry as a result of the combined effect of drought and abstraction. - Dry River Chess in 2019
Chalk Streams First proposes a reduction in groundwater abstraction which would see flow recovery of approximately 80%.
It's a planned pipeline scheme, “Supply 2040”, which could move the water from the lower Thames to homes and businesses in the Chilterns formerly supplied by the chalk aquifer.
The proposals have been recognised by the National Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy as a flagship project tackling low flows in chalk streams. It’s also won the recognition and conditional support of water regulators such as Ofwat. The CSF coalition is pushing for the proposals to be included in the Water Resources South East Regional Plan.
Chilterns Conservation Board CEO Dr Elaine King says: “We are pleased to be a part of Chalk Streams First - a galvanised approach to tackling one of the most urgent threats to these rare habitats. Tackling abstraction must happen now, to ensure the survival of these streams for future generations.”
Chilterns Society Chief Officer Tom Beeston says: “we are delighted to be able to work with everyone involved in Chalk Streams First, it a great opportunity for us to be part of reversing the damage we have been doing to chalk streams.”
CaBA chalk stream restoration group chair Charles Rangeley-Wilson says: “Chalk Streams First is the best chance we've had to undo the damage caused to our precious chalk streams by decades of over abstraction. Future generations will judge us harshly if we don't take it.”
For more details head to https://www.chilternsaonb.org/news/574/19/Chalk-Streams-First-proposes-to-reduce-abstraction-from-the-Colne-and-Lea-chalk-streams.html?fbclid=IwAR1DcNiuKWYxuUF5p43l_aBqyZVjWP7L-YoxRBbuumQZ3gB7BSpaZo_CKK0
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