Repairs carried out on a leaking sewer underneath South Parade Pier as part of works to improve our seas
Repairs have been carried out on a leaking sewer underneath South Parade Pier in Southsea.
It was found during a routine inspection of pipes carried out by Southern Water to check if any private wastewater pipes from restaurants, bars and public toilets had any issues – finding and fixing any nasty leaks quickly.
Southern Water’s Open Water Lead, Rob Butson, said: “These surveys are hugely important. Recently, we uncovered a leaky sewer beneath the pier in Southsea which was impacting the bathing water below. Luckily, Portsmouth City Council sprang into action to fund a £42,000 repair.
“Our ongoing surveys include physical checks, and blowing smoke through sewer pipes to spot gaps – the method has been a successful way of finding issues that require repairs"
The team also carried out inspections in Brighton and Worthing recently as part of its rolling programme to improve and protect bathing water, which also includes the detective work of our illegal connections team.
It also surveys thousands of metres of sewer pipe in seaside spots to ensure our pipes are in good condition and act swiftly to fix cracks and breaks.
Rob said: “Perhaps the most important work is the cooperation between us, councils, drainage boards and the Environment Agency to track down sources of contamination. None of us can solve things alone.”