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Effects of basement builds to be studied
Year-long scheme will trace underground water flow
HOUSEHOLDERS in Hampstead are going to be asked to lay water-measuring pipes in their back gardens as part of a unique, year-long experiment to track water courses and provide evidence in the battle against new sub-basements being built in the area.
The study, commissioned by the Heath and Hampstead Society, plans to find evidence about how rainwater seeps away from the hills of Hampstead. The society has waged a long-running campaign against new basements, fearing they could lead to flooding, subsidence and also cause arguments between neighbours.
Society chairman Tony Hillier said because of the large number of applications for new basements, new research was urgently needed. He said: “We feel it would be a good idea to understand exactly what is going on underground. We really want to know what is going on in Hampstead when rain falls.”
The study will see people use measuring equipment – which could be shallow pipes sunk into back gardens – to monitor rainfall in their area and where the water goes.
Over a year, it is hoped it will give a comprehensive picture of underwater streams, rainfall patterns and highlight areas in danger of flooding.
Mr Hillier added that with climate change bringing more severe weather, the issue was pressing, and the study will be completed with the help of society members, residents and Hampstead schools. The society has brought in a hydrological expert from Imperial College, London to conduct the study.
Meanwhile, students at University College London have put together a new map tracing the course of the River Fleet.
The river spurts from springs on Hampstead Heath and then flows down tributaries into the Thames. The map shows where the river used to flow, before it was put into underground culverts and sewer drains.
The Town Hall’s executive member for the environment, Tory councillor Chris Knight, said he hoped the map would help the council put in place long-term water management schemes, but admitted a plan championed by the Town Hall’s sustainability taskforce to uncover large sections of the river were unrealistic. |
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