Southampton was increasing in size very quickly, so there was soon not enough water to fuel the City. It was decided to build an Artesian Well on the Common. The well was built in 1838 by John Collyer, who dug the well to 400 feet deep. Unfortunately, the flow of water never appeared, so Collyer decided to back out of the contract, and four partners took over. By 1842, they had reached 560 feet. In 1845 they had dug 1317 feet deep, but they also backed down from the contract soon after. 

It was soon decided in 1885 to build water works in Otterbourne and that would supply the City's water. You can still see the cover of the Artesian Well on the Common.