Southern Water’s £8.5m investment to protect the environment and water supplies across Sussex

In this statement, Southern Water outlines how, why and where it will spend this money, across Sussex.

Designed to meet the challenges of climate change and population growth, Southern Water is focussed on strengthening infrastructure, protecting natural habitats and making sure you have a reliable source of drinking water for years to come.

Over the next five years, they’ll be replacing over 300 kilometres of pipes; reducing leaks by over 30% and keeping more water where it should be, in the network. 24,000 acoustic loggers have already been installed helping us find and fix leaks quicker than ever before and new methods, including specially trained sniffer dogs will help locate leaks in remote areas.

Southern Water understands that storm overflow releases have long been a source of public concern. Their £1.5 billion Clean Rivers and Seas Plan aims to address the root cause of storm overflow releases, and they’re working towards reducing them by around 8,000 a year by 2035.

In West Sussex, over £270 million has been committed to improve the health of rivers and seas, make water supplies more reliable and support the needs of a growing population.

Part of this investment includes a £113 million upgrade to water supply sites in the area to increase their capacity; and reduce the risk of supply interruptions.

Southern Water is also working with local farmers to generate biosolids, further helping reduce storm overflow releases. Over £3 million is also being invested to preserve local ecosystems, in the Arun Valley and River Western Rother.

Over in East Sussex, over £470 million has been committed to improve the reliability of your supply, increase treatment capacity at wastewater treatment sites and upgrade essential infrastructure.

Part of this investment includes rebuilding Weirwood Water Supply Works and expanding the water network to keep taps flowing.

Additionally, improvements at Ditchling Wastewater Treatment works will enhance the health of local rivers and over in Eastbourne, Southern Water are reducing storm overflow releases at Neaves Lane Wastewater Treatment works, as part of a £37 million project.

This record level of investment reflects a clear commitment to protect the environment, support local economies and provide customers with the high-quality service they expect, now and in the future.