Protecting Our Precious Ground Water

0%

Of people rely on
the Brighton Chalk Aquifer for their
water supply

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Estimated people who rely on the Brighton Chalk Aquifer for drinking water

0/13

Boreholes have recorded nitrate levels above drinking water standards


What is The Aquifer Project (TAP)?

From the River Adur in the west, the River Ouse to the east, and up to the edge of the Downs, the land is shaped by a tremendous block of chalk. This chalk holds water like a sponge, it forms the aquifer.

Hosted by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere, The Aquifer Project is dedicated to protecting the aquifer, which holds the precious groundwater we need to live. This is the water that makes the journey to your home, ready at the turn of a tap to quench a thirst, cook a meal, wash some clothes or fill a bath. It’s a vital natural resource.

But like so many others, this natural resource is under threat. Pollution is a problem, not just here, but for aquifers, rivers, lakes, and oceans worldwide.

Formed in 2016, we are a project focused on the aquifer, our precious natural resource. We’ve drawn from experts across the UK and even the globe to learn about sustainable blue-green solutions for the issues facing our aquifer.

Our relationship with water and how we manage it needs to change. We have to make sure we keep our water clean and use every drop wisely.

We are protecting the precious water held beneath our feet. From towns to downs we all rely on it. Now, next year, in the next decade and in the next century, we’ll always need it. The Aquifer Project (TAP) is safeguarding the water we’ll need for years to come.

Our Goals

Water Quality and Quantity

Being dedicated to preserving the aquifer isn’t enough; our goals are to improve the water quality and quantity that sinks into the ground. We do this using evidence-based solutions, which means data and scientific communities back them.

 

Increasing Biodiversity

Changing an underused space into one that positively impacts the aquifer also means it benefits the nature. We focus on using plants and designs that regenerate a space for nature. We’re passionate about using sustainable nature based solutions, and supporting regenerative farming.

Creating Community

It’s not enough to build sustainable solutions; we need to create and sustain beautiful places for people too. Each of our projects involves the community around it, from educational talks about the aquifer to using community feedback to develop designs that serve them better.

‘No water, no life. No blue, no green’ – Sylvia Earle

Watch in awe as artist Lauren Cook brings the Brighton Chalk Block Aquifer to life in a stunning stop-motion watercolour short film. Learn about how aquifers work, the threat of pollution, and discover how we can protect this vital resource for our future.

Our Projects

What You Can Do

We work in partnership

Hosted by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere, The Aquifer Project (TAP) aims at working collaboratively with key local players and communities to protect our groundwater and regenerate biodiversity. Since 2016, together with Brighton & Hove City Council, Southern Water, the Environment Agency and the South Downs National Park Authority, this wide-reaching programme works with residents, farmers, landowners, and schools across the Brighton and Lewes area.

TAP

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Alternatively you can email Aimee.Felus@southdowns.gov.uk or visit South Downs National Park – TAP for more information on The Aquifer Partnership