Do you know where the Island’s drinking water comes from?
47% from groundwater (principally chalk aquifers)
23% from rivers (Eastern Yar, Medina)
30% piped from Hampshire
With growing demands on water supply from population growth, both on the Island and in Hampshire, it is vital we protect our drinking water resources, for people and the environment.
Southern Water is therefore seeking to support those who farm or carry out other land activities in our drinking water catchments, and to work with them to minimise any impacts on water quality. This help can include specialist advice visits to look at farm infrastructure or soil management, and grants to help fund things like farmyard improvements or new equipment for environmentally-friendly cropping systems.
These Farm Capital Grants are available to those who operate within the water catchments shown in this map.
With the importance of the Eastern Yar for the Island’s water supply, Southern Water are also particularly keen to work with those who farm in its catchment to develop and demonstrate water-friendly farming techniques. This is an initial phase aimed at identifying the best practical measures that could lead to them being incentivised for the Yar’s farmers in the future.
For further details on the Farm Capital Grant Scheme:
www.southernwater.co.uk/water-for-life/catchment-first/grants-and-funding
Contact: Gary Clarke, Catchment Management Officer (Hampshire & Isle of Wight)