W.A.T.E.R. – Group Update Brief
Wriggle Action Towards Environmental Resilience | August 2026
There has been excellent progress across several W.A.T.E.R. projects as we prepare for the autumn and winter.
Working with Wessex Water
We continue to have positive and constructive cooperation with Wessex Water, particularly around the issues affecting Brister End and Brierly Hay.
Wessex Water is continuing its own investigations and considering longer-term improvements, while also supporting W.A.T.E.R.'s community-led approach to reducing the amount of clean rainwater entering the combined sewer network.
This developing partnership gives us a real opportunity to combine infrastructure improvements with practical community action.
B.E.S.T. & Rainwater Management
The Brister End Sponge Trial (B.E.S.T.) continues to grow, with households capturing more rainwater through water butts, tanks and other measures.
Wessex Water has responded positively to our proposals for expanding rainwater capture, retention and reuse, and discussions are progressing around potential support through its Rainwater Management Fund.
Farms, Water Storage & Funding
We are exploring opportunities with local farmers and landowners for larger-scale rainwater harvesting and storage, potentially providing benefits for agriculture, flood resilience and the wider community.
We have also approached Waitrose/John Lewis Partnership about possible cooperation and funding for water-resilience projects involving farms within its supply chain.
River Wriggle Monitoring
Progress continues with Smart Waters monitoring for the River Wriggle, alongside plans to continue community water-quality testing.
We are also exploring funding for additional monitoring equipment to help build a much clearer long-term picture of the health of our river.
Autumn Community Projects
Plans being developed include:
- Voluntary household dye testing in Brister End, Brierly Hay and surrounding areas.
- Expansion of community rainwater harvesting.
- Work with landowners to slow surface-water runoff.
- Further discussions regarding Vecklands Woods and runoff towards Brister End.
- Continued work with Dorset Council regarding highway and storm-water drainage.
- Engagement with the Environment Agency on flooding, river health and resilience.
- Exploring grants and other funding opportunities.
Preparing for Autumn & Winter
Following another very dry summer, our attention is now turning towards the wetter months.
The principle behind W.A.T.E.R. remains straightforward:
Capture more water when we have too much, slow its journey through our communities, reduce pressure on drainage systems and retain more locally for the increasingly dry periods when we need it.
Next W.A.T.E.R. Meeting
Friday 4 September 2026 – 6:00pm
Yetminster Community Sports Club
We'll provide updates on our projects, Wessex Water cooperation, Smart Waters, funding opportunities and plans for the autumn.
We'll also welcome our new joint Treasurers and discuss opportunities for more people to become involved, including our search for a Secretary or shared Secretary role.
Everyone is welcome.
W.A.T.E.R. – practical local action for a cleaner, safer and more water-resilient Wriggle Valley.