Skerne Magnesian Limestone Operational Catchment

About

This groundwater is designated as a drinking water protected area and is used for strategic drinking water supply by Anglian Water Services, as well as for local private water supplies. Groundwater quality within the Skerne Magnesian Limestone remains at poor status due to saline intrusion impacts at the coast near Hartlepool and also remains at risk from nitrate contamination and sulphate rich mine water. Measures are being developed to reduce risk of saline intrusion and understand the sources and pathways of nitrate. It is expected to take 20-30 years for the aquifer to recover from historic saline impacts. A 40 year management plan has been developed and agreed by the EA, the Coal Authority and Anglian Water to mitigate the impacts of mine water to this drinking water supply.