Southern Water taking urgent action after 'wettest weather' increases groundwater to 'exceptional levels'
Southern Water is ramping up its response to “some of the wettest weather ever seen” which has pushed groundwater to “exceptional levels”.
The water firm is stepping up its response across Hampshire, Sussex and Kent as relentless downpours put enormous pressure on communities and the sewer network.
With the ground saturated, nearly 80 tankers have been deployed to 26 sites to keep flows moving, protect homes and businesses, and cut the risk of sewer flooding and pollution.
A spokesperson said: “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.
“Areas impacted by groundwater usually have chalk aquifers that act like giant sponges. They soak up rain then release it slowly for weeks and months. That raises the water table, pushing water back towards the surface and forcing it into sewer pipes and manholes, reducing capacity and putting networks under strain long after the storms pass.”
A £3.5m programme is underway in Penton Mewsey and Appleshaw near Andover, sealing more than 15.5km of sewer to reduce storm overflows, ease pressure on treatment works and reduce the need for tankers in future. Work is phased to limit disruption and is scheduled to complete by autumn 2026.
George Taylor, Southern Water's director for Wastewater Operations, 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 see where we’re actively managing groundwater impacts on our Groundwater Issues page.