Southern Water put under pressure to work alongside councils on water quality

A COUNCIL will be taking samples in a bid to improve water quality in the surrounding area.
By David George
Published 1st Aug 2019, 13:30 BST
Updated 5th Aug 2019, 11:26 BST
Havant Borough Council leader Michael Wilson, who has called for Southern Water to improve its infrastructure as a 'matter of urgency'.Havant Borough Council leader Michael Wilson, who has called for Southern Water to improve its infrastructure as a 'matter of urgency'.
Havant Borough Council leader Michael Wilson, who has called for Southern Water to improve its infrastructure as a 'matter of urgency'.

Havant Borough Council has demanded action from Southern Water to clean up its act in the Solent region.

The news comes after the water company was forced to pay out a whopping £126m in fines and customer rebates, after an Ofwat investigation showed the firm had stopped wastewater samples from being taken.

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Now, council leader, Cllr Michael Wilson, hopes to form a partnership with other concerned authorities to lobby for improved wastewater monitoring and testing.

Cllr Wilson has not only written a letter to Southern Water, but also met with Sam Underwood, the stakeholder engagement manager from Southern Water, last week.

There, he voiced concerns about untreated releases as well as the lack of investment the company is making in its infrastructure. 

Cllr Wilson said: ‘I was told at this meeting that there have been 146 releases so far this year which is more than 20 a month.

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‘Whilst I understand the need to prevent flooding, I am surprised at the number of releases in that time period.

‘Water quality is not currently monitored in Langstone Harbour and I would like to see our residents provided with accurate and timely information so that they may make informed decisions regarding bathing and watersports activities.’

Cllr Wilson hopes that Portsmouth City Council, the Environment Agency and Southern Water will all get on-board with the scheme, with the latter apparently already showing a willingness to work with local authorities.

‘I have told Southern Water that Havant Borough Council is prepared to take samples and I want us to work together to ensure the samples are tested and analysed to provide detailed information about the quality of the water on our beaches and harbours,’ he said.

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I will arrange a meeting as soon as I can with Portsmouth City Council, the Environment Agency and Southern Water.

‘If the quality is unacceptable, then this could support a case for the borough to become part of the Environment Agency's bathing water enhancement programme.’

Related topics:Southern WaterHavant Borough CouncilCouncilPortsmouth City CouncilEnvironment Agency