Southern Water Announces £20million Plan To Cut Storm Overflows Across Isle Of Wight

Southern Water is set to invest around £20million in a major programme aimed at reducing storm overflows at key locations across the Isle of Wight.

The work will focus on areas including West Wight, Newport, Gurnard, East Cowes, West Cowes and Ryde, with the aim of helping protect the Island's rivers, coastline and bathing waters.

The scheme has been made possible through accelerated funding approved by water regulator Ofwat, allowing investigations and planning work to begin sooner than originally planned.

The Isle of Wight has already been used as a testing ground for new ways to reduce storm overflows, with around £9million previously invested in trialling different solutions.

Over the next two years, Southern Water says it will continue investigating problem areas, identify short-term improvements and develop larger projects designed to reduce the frequency and volume of storm overflows.

The company expects to spend around £20million on the programme overall.

Graham Williamson, Southern Water's Project Manager for the Isle of Wight, 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."

Southern Water says planned improvements will include sustainable drainage schemes to slow the flow of rainwater, separating surface water from homes, schools and businesses, and upgrading parts of its existing wastewater network.