We understand the concerns of the community around the current condition of the pond at Runcorn Hill Park and wanted to add to the information we have previously shared, to explain the situation in greater detail.
Firstly, we know that visitors to the pond have been worried for the welfare of the local wildlife.
We want to reassure the public that waterfowl, like swans, geese, ducks and rails, are incredibly resilient and adaptable. They will not be affected by the low water levels,
The pond has no fish stock. However, the invertebrates, which waterfowl feed on, and which make up the majority of the wildlife in the pond, will also adapt to the conditions, with larvae etc taking refuge in the damp silt at the base of the pond until water levels return to normal.
If you do see waterfowl moving around within the silt on the bottom of the pond, this is natural and a healthy part of their behaviour as they search for hiding insects.
It should also be remembered, as wild animals, if the area were to start having an adverse effect upon their health, the birds would fly to a more suitable habitat.
Secondly, we have seen comments online about a mains water supply valve that had previously been used to top up water levels in the pond.
While it is correct that the mains water supply was closed around 18 months ago, it is important to be clear, that the water supply valve closing is neither the cause of the current low water levels, nor is reopening the water supply valve a solution to the situation.
The pond is a man-made structure, with no natural source of water such as a stream or spring. It is normally fed by surface water run-off from the surrounding surfaces and land drains. However, the unprecedented dry weather and drought conditions across the country means there simply hasn’t been enough water to keep the pond at its normal level.
Adding large volumes of mains water into the pond is not an option as it would harm the natural ecology and other watercourses – this is because mains water is treated to make it safe for human consumption.
In addition, any mains connection to an external water body poses a potentially significant risk of contamination to the mains water supply.
This was the case with the mains water supply valve at the pond, which did not comply with current Water Fittings Regulations, and hence why it was closed.
To fit a mains water supply valve that is compliant would take a significant sum of money. At a time where there is significant financial pressure on the Council budget, this is something we just cannot afford. However, we are exploring other external funding sources.
However, it must again be stressed that any reinstated supply could only be used to top up water levels, for the reasons explained previously.
Ultimately, we need significant rainfall to bring water levels back to normal in the pond, and while we have had some rain in recent days, we need more to fall, as the land is still very dry and so the run-off needed to fill the pond is not sufficient yet.
We do understand that people are upset to see the pond as it is at the moment. They may also be frustrated with the explanation we have provided; however, it is important that we are open about the reality of the situation.