Abstraction and the River Ver
Andy Webb, former chairman of the Ver Valley Society (2003-2013), has recently completed a fascinating review of abstraction in the Ver catchment, from pre-Roman times to the present day. Whether simply by drawing water directly from the river, digging wells or drilling boreholes, abstraction for drinking water has shaped the River Ver we know today.
Follow the link: River Ver and Abstraction – Ver Valley Society
There’s so much interesting material that it’s been split into five captivating chapters which explore the history of River Ver, set against the need for drinking water to serve an ever-growing population. Explore this wealth of information at your leisure…
- The Source: Roman aqueducts, hollow elm trunk pipes, town pumps and St Albans Waterworks
- The Upper Reaches: The Industrial Revolution, water for London, boreholes and pumping stations
- The Middle Reaches: New Towns, disappearing trout, public enquiries lost, the Ver flows to Luton
- Meanderings: Excessive abstraction, low flows, over abstraction, alternative water sources
- Confluence: Chalk streams, abstraction reductions, new pipelines, hopes and aspirations
Thanks to Andy for his continuing passion for the River Ver and penning occasional articles for the Society members and a wider audience to enjoy. It’s an ever-changing story and updates to the abstraction story are anticipated early in 2025. Andy will be poised to add the latest developments to his history of abstraction on the Ver.