MAKING sure there’s enough clean, fresh drinking water for the next 60 years and beyond is the subject of an exhibition coming to Basingstoke.

South East Water, which supplies drinking water to 2.2 million customers across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Sussex and Kent, is presenting its plans for the future at Basingstoke Discovery Centre, Festival Place on Tuesday, 8 May from 2pm to 5.30pm.

The company’s proposals include building new reservoirs, abstracting more water from the River Thames, creating a new groundwater source near Farnborough and building new reservoirs, as well as cutting leaks further and helping customers use less water for everyday tasks.

The exhibitions are part of the company’s consultation on its draft Water Resources Management Plan, which puts forward proposals on how to overcome the challenge of meeting demand for water at a time of predicted climate change and population growth.

It’s a chance for customers to see the proposals, submit comments and shape the final plans, which will be published later this year.

Lee Dance, head of water resources at South East Water, said: “We are looking far into the future, right to 2080, to make sure we have a secure and resilient water supply for homes and businesses, while also balancing the needs of the environment and keeping customers’ bills down.

“The draft plan represents a £1 billion investment in water supply infrastructure and has been developed with input from customers, communities, other water suppliers and our stakeholders. It takes into account forecasts of future population and housing growth as well as the uncertainty of climate change.

“We’re now keen to hear your views on the proposals and really shape our final plan. The more people we hear from the more thoughts and ideas we can incorporate to really ensure that you get the water supply you want in the future.”

Further information can be found at southeastwater.co.uk/yourwateryoursay

The public consultation closes on May 21.