HIDDEN Water Infrastructure 

Academic lead: Michael Buser

This strand emerged out of discussions with our community partners at the Southville Community Development Association and Greater Bedminster Community Partnership (GBCP), who mentioned various infrastructural aspects related to the water environment in South Bristol. These included the continued reverence towards early water infrastructure such as the Redcliffe Pipe, and St. Anne's Well, both of which have been the subject of pilgrimages and walks. In addition, South Bristol has much underground infrastructure including several storm water channels added after flood events. The history of water in South Bristol also involves the discharge of effluent from sewers and industry into the River Avon, a practice that is still remembered by the older residents of the area. A lack of public facilities and a concern for the needs of elderly people and others, have also led the GBCP to produce a toilet map for the area.

Taking inspiration from these stories, and in conjunction with partners at Bristol Water, Wessex Water and the Environment Agency, this strand focuses on the professional workers who currently maintain the water infrastructures for the city of Bristol. Using film, photography, diaries and the collection of artefacts, the aim of this strand is to bring the stories of care for infrastructure to light and life for a public audience.