Yorkshire Water to begin test at second Brayton Barff borehole

Drilling a new test borehole at Brayton Barff is due to start in May, to check its viability as a source of clean water, as part of Yorkshire Water’s long-term water resource management plan.

Boreholes are used to extract water from deep underground, where it is naturally filtered through soil and rock, requiring minimal treatment before it is safe to use. 

Brayton Barff is one of a number of prospective borehole sites including East Ness and Malton, as well as the recommissioning of existing sites (Carlton Mills, Heck), aimed at securing a sustainable clean water supply.

Yorkshire Water and contract partners, Ward & Burke are working closely with ecologists, environmental and wildlife experts as well as the Friends of Brayton Barff (FOBB) to keep disruption to a minimum at the site, adjacent to a much-loved ancient woodland and meadow.

Yorkshire Water project manager, Paul Curran, said: “Boreholes are a vital part of our long-term strategy plan to maintain a safe and reliable water supply to customers and protect the environment over the long term.  This is part of our phased approach to test the viability of this as a second borehole on this site.

“Together with our contract partners, biodiversity and environmental experts, we are working with the Friends of Brayton Barff (FOBB) ensure the work is sympathetic to the environment and keep disruption to the neighbouring meadow and woodland to a minimum.”

Work is due to start on site on 11 May and should take four months to complete.  It forms part of Yorkshire Water’s water resources management plan to help ensure we have sufficient water to Yorkshire’s customer demands in the future.