Survey ordered to find cause of pond’s falling water levels

A HYDROLOGICAL survey of a village pond which started losing water at the beginning of the year will take place after deliveries of water failed to stabilise water levels.

Sonning Common Parish Council’s Finance Committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to appoint Water Resource Associates, a specialist hydrological consultant, to conduct a comprehensive survey of Widmore Pond, which started losing water in November last year.

The survey, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks, will investigate potential causes of the water loss including local geology, groundwater patterns, and impacts from development in the area.

The £4,085 plus VAT cost to the council will also include the development of remedial measures.

The parish clerk Andrew Donachie said: “We’ve been working hard to understand why this historic pond is suddenly failing after centuries of natural balance.

“The Finance Committee has approved immediate action, but we need expert diagnosis to find a lasting solution.

“Widmore Pond has been part of our community for over 350 years. The council is committed to preserving this natural heritage for future generations and the wildlife that depends on it.”

Last month, the council pumped 300,000 litres of water into the pond after purchasing an abstraction licence for £900.The water was delivered over three days one week apart, and it was found the water level was dropping by up to 4cm after each delivery, with a net increase of 13cm.

The pond is home to wildlife including ducks, carp and roach, and caused concern throughout the village when its water level dropped by more than 150cm.

Residents appeared at council meetings in May and June to appeal to the council to take action to prevent the pond from slipping into disrepair.

Some people speculated that the loss of water was connected to the 133-homes under construction next to the pond as part of the Inspired Villages retirement development.

Vicki Boorman, who chairs the council, said topographic surveys of the site determined most of the water on the site did not drain towards the pond.

The site, along with the Johnson Matthey car park at the corner of Blounts Court Road, was investigated to determine water courses draining towards the pond.