The community of Dorchester has been recognised for its efforts towards saving water and protecting the environment.
Dorchester has achieved Watermark Town status after the Town Council completed a 12-month programme and received an award from Wessex Water.
The endorsement secures Dorchester’s place within a network of concerned and responsible communities helping to save water, improve the local environment and manage rainwater more efficiently.
Over the past year, the Town Council has been working together with the community and Wessex Water to raise awareness about the value of water, improve understanding of local water supply and wastewater systems and promote community-wide sustainable practices.
Some of the projects Dorchester Town Council have completed include:
– creating a map of Dorchester’s water system and important areas of interest
– funding and providing water butts to impactful areas (allotments)
– completing water audits for all council-owned buildings
– involving water related projects & organisations in events such as Dorchester Science Festival
As part of its Watermark Town initiative, Wessex Water also provides funding to help participating town councils deliver projects, including schemes such as rainwater harvesting initiatives or local biodiversity improvements.
Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Andy Canning said: “We are delighted that Wessex Water have recognised the hard work undertaken by Dorchester Town Council. At a time of increasing climate change it is more important than ever that our water supply is safe, healthy and secure.”
Following the award, the Town Council will continue to promote sustainable practices and completing water-themed projects to ensure Watermark Town status becomes embedded within the community with ongoing support from Wessex Water.
Next year, the Town Council be working with Dorchester’s schools to take part in an arts and education project that culminates with an interactive trail along the river called ‘Frome to Grow’.
Wessex Water’s Chief Executive Ruth Jefferson added: “Well done and thank you to Dorchester Town Council and the local community for all the work they’ve done together with us throughout the year. Their fantastic efforts show how much they value the local environment and sustainable water management. It is our pleasure to hand over the award and present Dorchester with Watermark Town status.
“We launched our Watermark Town Awards initiative because we recognise that we must work together with our local communities to help tackle climate and nature emergencies and respond to the need for carbon neutrality, rising environmental expectations and higher living costs. We want to celebrate the efforts of local communities that work with us towards building a more sustainable future.”
Wessex Water is now supporting a further 15 town and parish councils across the region to take part in its 2026 programme. Applications for the 2027 programme will open towards the end of next year.
