Soakaways Havant Hampshire • Must Try
Nevertheless, for the average householder, a correctly designed and maintained soakaway remains the most practical, low-energy way to keep Havant gardens from turning into autumnal ponds. In a town whose very name derives from the Old English “Hæfan-funta” (the spring or well), letting water return to the ground—slowly, cleanly, and safely—is not just drainage. It’s heritage.
Combined with the area’s average annual rainfall of approximately 700-800mm, and the increasing frequency of intense downpours attributed to climate change, many Havant properties face surface water pooling, soggy lawns, and even foundation damage. In new developments—such as those around the former Knowle Brickworks site or on infill plots—planning authorities like Havant Borough Council now routinely require sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), with soakaways being the first option where ground conditions permit. A soakaway is essentially an underground void, traditionally filled with rubble or plastic crates, designed to collect stormwater from roofs, patios, or driveways and allow it to safely percolate back into the surrounding soil. Unlike connecting to the foul sewer—which is illegal in most cases and contributes to local flood risks—a soakaway mimics the natural water cycle. soakaways havant hampshire
In the low-lying, historically marshy terrain of Havant, Hampshire, managing surface water runoff is not just a matter of garden maintenance—it’s a necessity for property protection and environmental compliance. Nestled between the chalk hills of the South Downs and the tidal waters of Langstone Harbour, Havant presents a unique hydrological challenge. For homeowners and developers alike, the humble soakaway has emerged as a vital, if often overlooked, piece of drainage infrastructure. Why Havant Needs Soakaways Havant’s geology is a tale of two extremes. Much of the town is underlain by permeable chalk and gravels—particularly in areas like Leigh Park, Bedhampton, and the town centre. These substrates are naturally conducive to soakaways because they allow water to percolate rapidly. However, pockets of clay and silt, especially near the coastal plain and former marshlands (such as around the Hermitage Stream corridor), can cause drainage nightmares. Combined with the area’s average annual rainfall of
