With regard to the recent flooding in Patcham (Opinion, December 15), Southern Water, unfortunately, does not have the capacity to artificially keep down the water table at times of heavy rain by pumping from its local borehole.
The company is, however, continuing to work with the Environment Agency and Brighton and Hove Council to maximise the output from its water supply works at Patcham.
Ground water levels at Patcham have risen from approximately 18 metres above sea level in October to a current reading of 49 metres. This is the highest level on record for this time of year and the primary reason for the underground streams becoming artesian and flowing along the A23.
Any flood prevention money should, therefore, be directed to improving land drainage in the area.
-Paul Seeley, Sussex water manager, Southern Water
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