Halton Borough Council understands the concerns of residents over the water level reductions that were experienced in 2025 at Runcorn Hill pond. This came about mainly because of prolonged severe high temperatures and drought conditions, as well as the disconnection by United Utilities of the potable water supply that had previously been in place to top up water levels.
The Council has been monitoring water levels in the pond and considers that they are not currently lower than this time last year.
Over the winter the structure of the pond was assessed by structural engineers and found to be in good order, confirming that the pond does not leak. Only two minor repairs were identified as being required to ensure walls remain in good order and this work has since been completed.
Also, over the winter water levels recovered quickly, proving that the natural inputs via land drainage from surrounding areas works well. The main reason for water levels dropping is low rainfall combined with evaporation due to high temperatures exacerbated by the shallow design of the pond.
It should be noted that the correct pond water level is at the bottom of the land drainage inlet pipes and not higher, as this would create waterlogging and adverse drainage conditions to the surrounding park and playground.
Regarding artificially adding drinking water to help regulate levels, this has been investigated and would be against best practice and environmental legislation – (Water Resources Act 1991, The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England & Wales) Regulations 2017, Environment Act 2021 and Habitats Regulations) – as well as being potentially costly.
Potable water contains chemicals that are detrimental to the natural environment and, as a result, and even with the ability to top up the water, this is an incredibly complicated situation. As a responsible body, we cannot take actions that may pollute the environment.
It should be noted that even if we were able to provide water, the pond will function perfectly with a fluctuating level without any adverse impact on the natural habitat or wildlife.
The Council has maintained discussions with the Environment Agency (EA) who have advised that any discharges to the environment, other than clean, uncontaminated water, such as clean rainwater from roofs or dewatered groundwater, require an environmental permit.
The EA have recommended that the Council develops a proposal outlining its preferred arrangement for water supply to the pond. While we cannot say at this stage what the outcome of this process may be, residents can be assured that the Council is looking at all options with regards to Runcorn Hill pond.
Halton Borough Council is proud of its parks and open spaces and has maintained long-standing ambitions to provide continued improvements for visitors to enjoy. Runcorn Hill Park is one of the Council’s premier parks in the borough and underwent substantial improvements in 2016 with a £2m Heritage BIG Lottery ‘Parks for people’ grant.
Between 2016 and 2024 over £250k has been invested in the park. Recently £140k was invested on new paths and access improvements around the bandstand area.
FAQs
https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Documents/Libraries%20Parks%20%26%20Leisure/Water%20Level%20FAQs.pdf