Protecting Our Precious Groundwater – A Recap from Shoreham Port Sustainability Week

On July 3rd we were proud to take part in Shoreham Port Sustainability Week, joining a fantastic line-up of organisations and speakers working to build a more climate-resilient future for our coast and communities

Our team hosted a talk on Protecting Our Precious Groundwater Together, exploring the vital role of our chalk aquifer, the hidden water right beneath our feet, and how we can all help to protect it.

We were inspired by the turnout and the insightful questions from attendees. It was also a pleasure to be part of a schedule that included the Angling Trust’s programme supporting mental health through angling, and updates on the Southwick Reef Project, which is helping to restore marine habitats along our coast.

What is a Chalk Aquifer and Why Does it Matter?

Sussex is one of the most water-stressed areas in the UK. Our chalk aquifer supplies drinking water to about 400,000 in the Brighton Chalk block area, spanning from the Adur to the Ouse rivers, but it is under pressure from overuse, pollution and climate change.

If you missed our talk or want a refresher, you can watch our explainer video here: What is an aquifer?

How Much Water Are We Using?

The average person in England uses around 143 litres of water every day, and a household of four uses over 450 litres. In hot, dry summers that adds up quickly. Many people do not realise just how much water they use.

Here are some resources we shared during the event:

How to Save Water at Home – The Living Coast
Water UK: What Brits Know (or Don’t) About Water Use
Log in to your water provider’s online account portal to check your usage, monitor for leaks and access tips to reduce your bills

Resilience: From Flooding to Biodiversity

Protecting groundwater also means preparing our communities to live with rain in smarter and more sustainable ways. We shared practical guidance on Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and how homes, schools and public spaces can help reduce flood risk and support biodiversity. These include:

Creating rain gardens (see our Rain Garden Campaign for guidance)
Replacing paved areas with permeable surfaces
Installing green roofs and rain-friendly planting

Local examples include the Wild Park Rainscape in Brighton & Hove and school-based SuDS projects in the area. To explore national policy guidance, see:

If you live or work in Brighton & Hove and would like support or advice, you can contact the city’s Flood Risk Manager at jennifer.okorie@brighton-hove.gov.uk

Stay Connected

We are grateful to everyone who joined our session and contributed to the conversation. If you would like to keep in touch and access further resources:

Follow The Aquifer Project on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook
Subscribe to The Living Coast newsletter for updates and insights: Sign up here

Thank you again to Shoreham Port for hosting a powerful and collaborative week. We look forward to continuing the work of protecting our aquifer and building a more resilient future together.

About The Aquifer Project

The Aquifer Project (TAP) is hosted by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere and made possible through a cross-sector partnership between: Brighton & Hove City Council, the Environment Agency, the South Downs National Park Authority, Southern Water, and the University of Brighton