Water supply and future development (November 2026)

The council is aware of concerns raised by South East Water, the Environment Agency and Natural England regarding the long-term security of water supplies within Water Resource Zone 4-West (WRZ4-W), which covers much of the borough, including Basingstoke. Forecasts indicate that, without further investment in water infrastructure and demand-management measures, future demand could exceed the amount of water that can be supplied sustainably.

This is not an immediate risk to residents' water supplies. The issue relates to ensuring a resilient and environmentally sustainable water supply in the future, particularly during periods of drought and peak demand, while also supporting planned growth.

The council has been working closely with South East Water, the Environment Agency, Natural England, neighbouring authorities and government departments to understand the implications of these issues and the infrastructure solutions being developed. This includes a new joint Water Resources Study to help inform future planning decisions and the emerging local plan commissioned by this council in partnership with East Hampshire and Hart District Councils across the WRZ4-W zone.

Planning applications continue to be assessed and determined in accordance with national and local planning policy. Water supply and environmental impacts are material planning considerations, but concerns regarding future water resources do not automatically prevent development from taking place. Each application must be considered on its individual merits and in light of the available evidence.

The council will continue to keep its approach under review as further evidence emerges and as additional information becomes available from statutory consultees and water infrastructure providers.

For further information, including the background to the issue, the role of South East Water and the implications for current and future development. View our water supply question and answers via the link below

View the Water Supply Questions and Answers

Water Resource Zone 4-West (WRZ4-W) area map (PDF)

Environment Agency Position Statement Nov 2026(PDF) [487 kb]