Update on Water Levels at Carshalton Upper Pond

There appears to be a leak in the upper pond (by Honeywood). We believe it is under the railings along Pound Street, opposite The Greyhound.

Around two years ago, the ponds were drained to allow repairs to be carried out and for the concrete base to be cleaned. One of the repairs that was planned was to the gulley in the area where we now believe the leak is located. 

The gulley is designed to allow water from the aquifers to flow into the pond. However, they have been damaged by vehicles crashing through the railings and falling into the ponds. As a result, the water now appears to be leaking away. 

Given the safety risk from previous incidents where vehicles had crashed into the ponds, the contractor would not carry out the repairs without a road closure. Unfortunately, Transport for London (TfL), would not approve the road closure, so the repair could not go ahead. 

SES Water operates under an Environment Agency permit that allows an agreed amount of water to flow into the Wandle. This is measured at the weir below the cascade in The Grove. And, at the moment enough water is flowing through that gauging station to meet their EA legal commitment.

SES has in the past topped up the Upper Pond as a favour but stressed they do not have a license to do so. Now they have decided to stop until the leak is fixed. That is why the levels have fallen drastically.

But this gives the council the opportunity to fix the gulley and (fingers crossed) the leak. 

Quotes have been received, a contractor appointed and we are now going through the procurement process. So the low water level should enable the repair to commence. But at the moment I don't have any information about when that will all begin. Hopefully soon.

It's a pity as we all love the ponds at any time of year but especially now, when we have jazz musicians playing alongside the Honeywood, as part of the Carshalton Festival. 

Additionally, the biodiversity officer is looking at innovative aquatic planting to help with the annual algae issue. But the success of that initiative depends on the ducks not eating it all!