Water leak delays cleaning of Hove Lagoon and could cost thousands

The pipe could be seen leaking last Saturday with water draining into Hove Lagoon which was drained so it could be cleaned before a water sports company’s season starts in April.

Lagoon Watersports drains Hove Lagoon every two years to clean it out during the winter when it is not operating its normal activities.

But the leak caused masses of fresh water to gush into the lagoon and the water sports company is asking that Southern Water either reimburse its £8,000 cleaning budget or help with extra drainage so it can be cleaned before the season starts.

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Without cleaning the lagoon, a layer of “thick black sludge” can develop, which is why the water sports company undertakes the cleaning process every two years.

Harvey Dawkins, owner of Lagoon Watersports, said the incident has been a “waste of time and money” and is calling for Southern Water’s help.

He said: “It’s not a bio-hazard or anything, it’s just unpleasant and not good for business. It won’t mean we can’t open, it will just be a waste of money and everyone’s time.

Left shows the source of the leak, right is where it drained into the lagoon

“It would mean the lagoon could go four years without being cleaned, which is not ideal.”

The draining process from start to finish, including the cleaning, takes around six weeks. With the season set to start in April, time is running out for the lagoon to be fully drained, cleaned and then refilled over the course of several weeks.

He added: “We’re pretty pushed for time, we need to start filling up by the beginning of March. If we’re still trying to pump water out by then, we will be in a bit of trouble.”

Left shows the lagoon before Storm Eunice almost fully drained, right shows the lagoon filled with fresh water one day after the storm

Councillor Robert Nemeth, chairman of the Friends of Hove Lagoon group, said the incident is “unfortunate” and hopes it can reopen in time.

He said: “Emptying is now undertaken every year or two during the winter but it is not quite as simple as pulling the plug out.

“A race to empty using expensive pumps was already underway before this incident took place. It will now be much harder to open in time.

“I hope that Southern Water works with Lagoon Watersports to put this right.”

Southern Water were approached for comment.

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