EXCLUSIVE: Multiple pumps used to protect homes from flooding have failed at a Ryde pumping station, resulting in emergency temporary measures being put in place that are set to last at least three months, Island Echo can exclusively reveal.
Three large-scale, specifically built pumps which release excess stormwater to sea during heavy rainfall failed at the Southern Water station at Appley last Friday, forcing them to be removed and shipped away for repair or replacement. Temporary pumps have been brought in to take over the vital role, powered by mobile generators..
Without these pumps, the sewer system could become overwhelmed by rainwater, causing toilets to back up and flood people’s homes, especially during the period of exceptionally heavy rain currently being experienced across the Island.
During normal rainfall, the stormwater is held in a 950,000 litre tank on-site and is then pumped back to treatment, however when this fills up and the rain continues to fall, the pumps come into action and release the excess into the Solent after being filtered to remove any solids.
A section of Appley car park owned by the utility company has been cordoned off to allow room for the temporary equipment to be installed and kept, resulting in the loss of around 20 parking spaces for at least the next three months.
A Southern Water spokesman has told Island Echo:
“Following problems at our Appley pumping station in Ryde, we have set up temporary pumps to protect homes from flooding.
“The sewer system which serves the area continues to carry wastewater flows from homes to Sandown for treatment.
Article continues below this advertisement “This temporary setup, on land owned by Southern Water, is expected to remain in place for the next three months or so but we will endeavour to leave as many car parking spaces free as possible.”
