'Some of the wettest weather we’ve ever seen' - Southern Water steps up emergency response in Chichester district

The water company has stepped up its emergency response across West Sussex. Nearly 80 tankers have been deployed to 26 sites across Hampshire, Sussex and Kent to keep wastewater flowing and reduce the risk of sewer flooding and pollution.

A Southern Water spokesperson said: “We are stepping up our response across Hampshire, Sussex and Kent as relentless downpours push groundwater to extreme levels, putting enormous pressure on local communities and the sewer network.

"With the ground saturated and aquifers brimming, we have deployed nearly 80 tankers to 26 sites to keep flows moving, protect homes and businesses, and cut the risk of sewer flooding and pollution.

“Crews are on duty 24/7, diving on hotspots as groundwater shifts and rises. We’re sorry for the noise and disruption the traffic causes but protecting homes, schools and businesses is our immediate priority.”

Residents in affected areas, including parts of the Lavant Valley, may notice increased disruption.

"We’ve already sealed 15km of sewers across Singleton, Charlton and East Dean, and work has moved into West Dean, using specialist linings to stop groundwater infiltrating ageing pipes,” a spokesperson for Southern Water explained.

"That cuts the risk of overflows and helps protect the River Lavant and Chichester Harbour. We are also sealing sewers at Funtington and Bosham.”

Parts of West Sussex – including villages north of Chichester – sit above chalk aquifers, which act like giant sponges. After prolonged rain, these aquifers fill up and slowly release water over weeks and months.

As the water table rises, groundwater can force its way into sewer pipes and manholes, reducing capacity and placing networks under strain long after storms have passed.

Alongside the emergency tanker response, the water company says it is investing in longer-term measures to prevent groundwater entering ageing pipes.

The spokesperson added: “Emergency tankers deal with today but we’re also tackling tomorrow.”

The sewer sealing programme, which began in West Dean, is tackling decades of groundwater-related flooding in the Lavant Valley.

“The scheme is designed to prevent groundwater forcing its way into local sewers, as this can overload pipes, pumping stations and treatment works, causing storm overflows and flooding,” Southern Water explained.

"This West Sussex scheme will then in turn improve water quality in the River Lavant – a unique chalk stream which feeds Chichester Harbour.

“So far, our teams have sealed 15km of sewers in the Lavant Valley, across the villages of Singleton, Charlton and East Dean, using specialist plastic linings to seal ageing pipe joints and prevent infiltration through the chalk aquifer.

“Now, attention is turning to a further 5km of sewer in West Dean, as the project continues to move down the valley.

“Meanwhile, we’ve also made upgrades to our nearby treatment works at Lavant, where there is a manmade wetlands which helps to naturally filter flows.”

Southern Water programme delivery lead Andy Morris said the chalk ground in the Lavant Valley ‘acts like a sponge’, soaking up rainfall for months at a time.

He added: “When this groundwater enters our sewer network, it can overload the system and lead to sewer flooding and storm overflows.

“By sealing these ageing pipes, we’re not only protecting homes and businesses – we’re also helping to improve the health of the River Lavant, which is a valuable chalk stream.

“Reducing groundwater infiltration means fewer storm overflows, which in turn supports better water quality downstream in Chichester Harbour. This work is already making a real difference for local communities and the environment, and moving into West Dean is another important step forward.”

Elsewhere, a £3.5 million scheme is underway in Penton Mewsey and Appleshaw near Andover, sealing more than 15.5km of sewer, while a £3 million programme is sealing 4.2km of pipe in Sittingbourne, Kent.

George Taylor is Southern Water’s director for wastewater operations. He said: “We’re sorry for the impact our tankers and emergency works can have, but please know they’re there to protect homes, businesses and the environment.

"This is some of the wettest weather we’ve ever seen, driving groundwater to exceptional levels. Our teams are out day and night, and our goal is to keep our communities safe.”

Customers can check where groundwater management is taking place via Southern Water’s website: https://www.southernwater.co.uk/latest-news/groundwater-issues/