If, as predicted, severe storms become more frequent, the risk of flooding will increase.

Severe storms in July 2007 saw widespread flooding across many parts of the United Kingdom as more than a month’s rainfall fell in one day and overwhelmed rivers and drainage systems.

In Portsmouth the equivalent of a one-in 108-year storm caused extensive flooding and damage in September 2000.

Southern Water has announced a multi-million pound plan to reduce the risk to Portsmouth of flooding in the future. The bedrock of the plan is to build an additional £10 million pumping station, providing vital support to the existing station during storms.

During 2005-06, 80 properties across the Southern Water region were removed from risk of internal flooding through completed improvements – substantially exceeding the regulatory target of 60 properties.