Work continues to promote practical ways of reducing the amount of clean rainwater entering the combined sewer system at Brister End and further afield. Reducing this unnecessary inflow is one of the key steps in dramatically reducing the frequency of untreated sewage surcharging onto our highways and ultimately entering the River Wriggle.
I am currently awaiting information requested from Dorset Council under a Freedom of Information request relating to the highway storm drain network. This information will help establish whether these drains discharge separately or connect into the combined sewer system. To date, this has never been definitively confirmed by either Wessex Water or our local councils.
I have also been in contact with Wessex Water's Smart Waters Programme and have arranged a site meeting to discuss the installation of river monitoring equipment at a number of locations along the River Wriggle. These systems would provide near real-time monitoring of water quality, helping us better understand the health of our river and identify pollution events more quickly.
In addition, I have contacted a local development company to discuss the future implementation of rainwater harvesting systems within new developments. They have responded very positively, and further discussions are planned in the coming weeks regarding the B.E.S.T. (Brister End Sponge Trial) project.
I have also been invited to meet with the Environment Agency, alongside representatives from several similar projects across Somerset. This will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss how the work we are undertaking at the head of the river catchment can support wider environmental improvements downstream.
I continue to liaise closely with Wessex Water's Infrastructure Directors and our local MP, , both of whom remain supportive of the work being undertaken.
On Thursday 25th June at 7pm, I will be attending the WRIG meeting at Hilfield Friary. WRIG have worked tirelessly over the past three and a half years to reduce flooding throughout the Wriggle Valley and improve water quality, and I look forward to providing an update on the progress being made and strengthening our partnership working.
Following the recent community meeting, I am delighted that a number of people have already volunteered to serve as committee members and support the group going forward. 
However, we are still looking for volunteers to take on the roles of Secretary and Treasurer. These are not onerous positions and would only require a few hours of your time each month, but they are essential to helping W.A.T.E.R. become fully established and continue progressing this important work.
If you are interested in helping protect and improve our local environment, please get in touch.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support W.A.T.E.R. Together we are building a strong evidence base, developing practical solutions, and creating positive change for our community and environment.
The momentum is building, and with a Secretary and Treasurer in place, W.A.T.E.R. will be in a strong position to attract funding, develop projects, and work even more effectively with partners and stakeholders.