<< BACK | PRINT PAGE |
The Hawkwood Springwater
Hawkwood College is in a wonderful area of the Cotswolds, with spectacular views and beautiful surroundings – what better spot for the early families to locate a dwelling! But there was another important reason to locate here: the spring. Under the arching boughs of the great sycamore tree on the front lawn, the Hawkwood spring has been offering its refreshing water for centuries.
The spring continues to be a source of not only water for some but also, together with the arching sycamore overhead, inspiration as well. Historically, springs and water supplies were often a factor in the location of homes, and there are many descriptions of the use of the spring water at Hawkwood (brought up to the main house by a ram pump and other means) in previous centuries. The spring is important for us, not only for the fact of its continuing flow of refreshing water but as a symbol as well: of continuing replenishment of live-giving sustenance, which water is.
The provision of water in general is an important issue for us at Hawkwood. We are investigating not only rainwater collection for the conservation of water use (as of spring 2010 a system has been installed to provide rainwater to six toilets in the house) but also the possibility of putting in a bore-hole to supply our own drinking water to the houses as well. Dowsers have suggested significant, good quality water sources at deeper levels. One prophetic user noted that water, not oil, will become the subject of controversy and disputes in the world in the future; while we hope naturally it doesn’t come to that in this area, Hawkwood has potential valuable water resources to develop and preserve. We look forward to working on this as part of our more comprehensive efforts towards greater environmental sustainability.
We are sometimes asked about the quality of the Hawkwood spring water (by the large sycamore tree on the lower lawn). This is tested regularly for bacteria, and in the summer time it has sometimes shown low levels. Although many collect and drink and value the water, we have to officially (i.e. as said by the local health authority) recommend that people boil it before using. However, those used to natural spring water (including the writer of this) may not find this necessary. In any case, we must also say that any decision to use it is entirely yours as a private person.
We have periodically tested the water for minerals and chemicals. The last time we did more extensive tests (a university student was doing a research project on comparative water qualities) was approximately ten years ago. It showed an excellent quality on this level, with very low nitrates and chemical residues in comparison to the local Stroud drinking water, which comes from the Severn River as well as aquifers in Chalford. Stroud tap water showed over 20 industrial and agricultural chemicals. At that time the Hawkwood spring nitrate readings were <1ppm (Stroud water was 15-20 ppm). Nitrates can be an indicator of agricultural influences, and water with higher nitrates could be expected to have higher agricultural chemical residues. A higher iron content gives the Hawkwood water a distinct flavour; the iron can also be seen by the orange-red colour in the pipe and on the stones. A comparative study in 2005 on minerals levels from different water sources confirmed continuing low nitrate levels of <1ppm for Hawkwood spring water.
On another level, we have had several dowsers offering their advice and opinion on the spring water over the years, including recently. According to their research, the water comes principally from a deep source, possibly from as far away as north Devon or Wales. By their indications, it has a very high vitality.
To honour the importance of the spring at Hawkwood, we have completely redone the area by the its outlet under the sycamore, in connection with the installation of a labyrinth on the lower lawn. We are grateful to Keith Mitchell for his many volunteer hours as well as to many other staff and volunteers who participated in this project. Do come and see it for yourselves!
Richard Brinton
Principal
Further Information:
Related website: