Southern Water spends nearly £1bn in "turnaround" plan
The water company has revealed how sewage discharges are being fixed
Last updated 22nd Mar 2024
Southern Water has revealed how much it spent on water and waste water projects over the last four years.
The company, which has been criticised for sewage spills, said the next financial year marks the final stretch of its "turnaround plan".
Southern Water said almost £1bn has been invested in its networks over four years, with plans to pass the £1.5bn mark by this time next year.
£251 million has already been spent in Hampshire including plans for the UK’s first major reservoir since the 1980s at Havant Thicket.
A further £179 million has been allocated for 2024/25.
£5.6 million has been spent on the Isle of Wight since 2020.
That includes £3m on improving the resilience of water supply sites so they better withstand extreme weather events such as the recent Storm Ciaran.
£333 million has been spent over four years in Sussex - including £157m on improving wastewater treatment processes to improve the quality of final effluent discharge at 37 sites, reducing any impact on the local environment - and £137 million still allocated for the year ahead.
£276 million has been spent in Kent since 2020 - including £30m on increasing stormwater storage at 16 sites to reduce the use of storm overflows during heavy rainfall - with £151 million more allocated for the 2024/25 financial year.
John Penicud, Southern Water’s director for wastewater operations, said: "As we enter an absolutely crucial year for Southern Water and the wider water industry, it is right that we are open with our customers about what we are spending on improving our performance and where the money is going.
"Contrary to some claims aired in the media and among the public, I’d like to reassure you that we are spending our bill payers’ and our shareholders’ money in an ambitious, targeted and evidence-based way to fix the issues we know we face.
"These figures on planned infrastructure projects demonstrate that very clearly, and we will keep pushing ahead to achieve the results everyone wants to see."