Southern Water is set to invest around £20 million in a major programme of work aimed at reducing storm overflows across the Isle of Wight, with projects planned for Newport, Ryde, East Cowes, West Cowes, Gurnard and the West Wight.
The water company says the 2-year programme will help protect the Isle of Wight’s rivers, coastline and bathing waters by investigating the causes of storm overflows and delivering both short-term improvements and longer-term infrastructure projects.
The investment has been made possible through accelerated funding approved by industry regulator Ofwat, allowing investigations and planning work to begin earlier than originally scheduled.
Southern Water says the Isle of Wight has already been the focus of innovative trials to reduce storm overflows, with around £9 million previously invested in testing a range of potential solutions.
Over the next 2 years, engineers will continue investigations at key locations across the Island while identifying ‘quick fix’ measures alongside larger schemes that will take longer to deliver. Once those projects have been completed, attention will turn to the remaining storm overflows.
Overall, Southern Water expects to invest around £20 million in the programme.
Graham Williamson, Project Manager for the Isle of Wight, has said:
“The Isle of Wight is home to some of the UK’s most treasured rivers, coastlines and bathing waters, and we are determined to play our part in protecting them.
“By combining targeted investment, innovation and practical action, we can significantly reduce the frequency and volume of storm overflows and create a cleaner, healthier and more resilient environment for future generations.
“We are building on the knowledge, expertise and local insight we have already gained to focus investment where it will have the greatest impact.
“This includes delivering sustainable drainage solutions that slow the flow of rainwater, separating surface water from homes, schools and commercial buildings, and continuing to improve the performance and resilience of our existing network.”
The announcement follows increasing public concern over sewage discharges into rivers and coastal waters, particularly around designated bathing beaches, with Southern Water saying the latest investment is designed to accelerate improvements across some of the Isle of Wight’s most environmentally sensitive areas.
