UPDATED: Southern Water have confirmed that screened wastewater has been released into the Solent to prevent properties flooding.
A leak on a rising main at Woodvale Pumping Station near Gurnard Beach is currently being worked on by Southern Water engineers. Until this morning they had managed the flow of wastewater via tanker lorries, but increased flows following recent rainfall means a limited released of screened wastewater was made earlier on today via the long sea outfall.
The decision to release into the environment was made to prevent properties in the area from flooding.
Engineers are continuing to work to fix the leak.
A spokesperson for Southern Water has said:
“We have notified the Environment Agency and we are working closely with the Isle of Wight Council to manage the situation. Our investigations indicate that there is likely to be minimal to no impact on bathing water, although we will of course continue to monitor the situation closely”.
As a precaution, the Isle of Wight Council is advising bathers not to swim at this location until further notice.
UPDATE FRIDAY: The Isle of Wight Council has been advised that a temporary repair is in place on a rising main at the Woodvale Wastewater Pumping Station and following close monitoring by Southern Water overnight tonight, all being well, Gurnard Beach will re-open for swimming in the morning (Saturday).
