Runcorn Hill Park pond taken 23rd July 2025
The Council would like to provide an update on the current situation at Runcorn Hill Park pond.
The pond is normally adequately fed by natural rainfall, via surface water run-off from the park land-drain system. In the past, a United Utilities (UU) mains drinking water supply was occasionally used to top up the pond if levels appeared low. Using potable water in this way needs to be managed very carefully to protect the local water network and the natural environment in the park.
Our surface water run-off systems have kept water levels in the pond adequately filled for over 12 months. However, reducing water levels were reported to the Council in early 2025 and, at this point, Council officers began discussions with UU and the Environment Agency.
The extremely dry weather conditions in Spring 2025, and the warmest and sunniest spring on record for the UK as a whole, then resulted in water levels in the pond dropping significantly. Whilst the pond will return to normal levels following the exceptional period of drought – which is affecting many catchments across the country – the Council engaged in further, more detailed discussions with both UU and the EA to identify options to address the situation.
The Council is committed to working with partners who are currently considering numerous options, including, but not limited to, fitting additional valves and fittings to safeguard the water supply and deploying methods to meet EA requirements to protect the environment and ecology in the park.
Further updates will be provided as soon as any information is available.