Rolling out the barrels to community gardeners

Water-savvy plot holders at Hart’s Green Garden were gifted more than 60 recycled water butts as a thank you from South East Water.

The heavy-duty, clean plastic barrels were given to members of the gardening community based at Edenbrook Country Park in Pale Lane, Fleet.

The barrels, which are comparable in size to a traditional oil drum and weigh 8.5 kilos, are surplus to requirements at South East Water treatment plants once their harmless contents have been used in the drinking water production process.

Matthew Cooper, South East Water Project Manager, said: “Plants actually prefer rain water to tap water. Rain water is filled with all sorts of good nutrients for plants and of course it is completely free of charge.

“Using barrels and water butts is great for the environment and not using drinking water keeps more water in the rivers and lakes for nature.”

Barrels were handed to plot holders on Thursday 30 June as a thank you for their patience during South East Water’s vital water main installation work in the vicinity.

The company is currently installing almost 12 kilometres of pipe between Fleet and Odiham to increase the capacity of the water network.

Hart’s Green Garden is a community garden managed by Hart District Council. Upon receiving the donation, Cllr David Neighbour, Leader of Hart District Council, said: “Sustainable gardening is at the front and centre of our minds in Hart’s Green Garden.

“These water barrels will help the plot holders to reuse captured rainwater and reduce waste, allowing them to save water for times when they need it most. It will also help to reduce the amount of water that needs to be pulled from the bore hole/water table.

“We are very grateful for this kind donation.”

For more information on South East Water’s work between Fleet and Odiham, visit: southeastwater.co.uk/fleet