Water

The abstraction, storage, use and treatment of water can have many negative impacts on habitats and wildlife. These issues are becoming more significant as the population grows and we consume more and more water.

Hampshire is blessed with a rich and diverse variety of rivers and wetlands, many of which are of international importance. Yet there is concern over the substantial and increasing pressures that are being placed on Hampshire' s water environment. Such pressures include new development, climate change, and domestic consumption.

In response, the ' Water in Hampshire' project was established in 1999. By forming a partnership of organisations from across the public, private and voluntary sectors, the project aims to raise the profile of water; gain a better understanding of the environmental, planning and management issues associated with the county' s water environment; and to develop sustainable solutions. The project takes a holistic look at water issues, focuses predominantly on the county' s freshwater resources, and appears to be the first of its kind in the UK.