Boreholes & Achieving Water Neutrality
Private boreholes are capable of providing a suitable source of water (potable and non-potable) to achieve water neutrality.
H2Ogeo has consulted all over the south east and has sound knowledge of its geology and hydrogeology. When considering using a borehole to mitigate proposed development the following areas must be considered:
As advised by Horsham District Council there is a significant level of survey work required to support any proposal, both before any planning permission is granted and before first occupation of any property.
Applications proposing abstraction of more than 20,000 Litres/Day will require an abstraction licence from the Environment Agency. Pumping tests are required as part of the application process and a Groundwater Investigation Consent must be issued as part of the works;
Evidence of an approved abstraction licence, or a valid licence application, must be provided with the planning application;
For applications proposing a borehole abstracting less than 20,000 Litres/Day, an abstraction licence is not needed;
In all cases, a Hydrogeology Report (or equivalent) prepared by a suitably qualified professional is required. This report will cover groundwater resources, hydrogeological links between aquifer units; impacts on nearby SSSI’s and their impact zones, or any other ecological features; and
Testing of the borehole/well is needed to understand the yield to ensure continuous year-round supply.
Groundwater quality must be addressed and is regulated by the Council through the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016 (as amended). The quality assessment should consider the risks of pollution to the new drinking water supply and the properties of the underlying soils and rock.
To support your planning application the Local Planning Authority also require a monitoring and maintenance package.
H2Ogeo has been providing this scope of work to Clients within the Sussex North Water Resource Zone and beyond for over 10 years.
Should you wish to find out more please Contact Us or send an email: info@h2ogeo.co.uk
Source: Water neutrality and planning applications | Horsham District Council
