The Aquifer Project - TAP

Protecting our precious groundwater Did you know the residents of the Brighton & Hove area get their drinking water from a natural local source, a chalk aquifer beneath their feet? The Aquifer Project, “TAP”, aims to protect the quality and quantity of the drinking water for around 365,000 residents. With drier summers and wetter winters in Sussex, our area is highly water stressed, and exposed to water pollution from road run-off. TAP operates as a collaborative group of local water experts from Brighton & Hove City Council’s flood risk team, the Environment Agency, Southern Water's catchment team, the South Downs National Park Authority and the University of Brighton and is delivered by The Living Coast UNESCO Biosphere team. Communication and engagement, education, research and the implementation of nature–based solutions are core to Aquifer Project’s work. Initiatives include delivering and promoting rain gardens (SuDs), preventing water pollution from roads and developments, raising awareness on water saving solutions, etc. This wide-reaching programme delivers hands-on solutions and educational activities, working with residents, farmers, landowners, and schools across the Brighton & Lewes Downs area. Learn more about The Aquifer Project on the TAP website and thelivingcoast.org.uk