Borehole project at the recreation ground
The sports clubs have been busy with a project to install a borehole feeding irrigation system. The project which has been a year in the planning started at the recreation ground in October and is now well on the way to completion. The cricket club spearheaded the project and funding was secured from:
- East Hants District Council Community Infrastructure Levy Fund
- Grayshott Parish Council Community Infrastructure Levy Fund
- England & Wales Cricket Board County Grants Fund
- Community Climate Action Fund
- Councillor Hanrahan – Community Grants Scheme
Grayshott Parish Council also took the opportunity to extend the borehole project to provide water to the allotments supported with a grant from Hampshire County Council.
Stage 1 – Drilling the Borehole
Water was struck at a depth of 51 metres, a little less than originally envisaged and a submersible borehole pump with associated pipework has been installed. All that can be left to see at the surface is a small manhole cover adjacent to the pavilion. The water has been tested and the outcome of the water quality is excellent with only a turbidity filter required to remove the smallest fines from the water
Stage 2 – Irrigation work to Cricket Square & Allotments
Two separate circuits were laid for each location using a trenching machine and manual laying of the pipe work. The cricket square has eight sprinklers which can be scheduled to operate at night allowing for maximum effect with minimum evaporation. The allotment supply works on an ‘on demand’ system with the pump activated once a tap is opened.
Stage 3 – Storage tank and Pump Housing
The Installation of a storage tank that can hold up to 10,000 litres was done together with the building of the pump housing which contains the pump and filter equipment . Typically the tank will refill in seven hours
Stage 4 – Irrigation work to Football Training area
This final stage of the project will provide a circuit of irrigation to the football training area with more sprinklers to ensure upon reseeding, adequate water can be supplied, again during night hours. This stage will take place in the spring towards the end of the football season.
The project is great news for the sportsfield and allotment users and ensures that there is a sustainable solution to watering during long dry spells.
