£5m project to upgrade Island water mains
A major water mains upgrade programme is underway to cut bursts on the Isle of Wight.
We are investing more than £5m in replacing around 11km of pipes over the next 18 months. The upgrades will reduce emergency works and interruptions to water supply, as well as helping cut leakage.
Some of the current cast iron water pipes date from 1866 and are showing signs of wear, despite regular maintenance. They will be replaced with modern plastic ones, which are more durable and reliable.
We have upgraded more than 2km of pipe since work began in August this year. The second phase of a project to replace 1.8km of mains started on October 6 at Rew Street, Cowes, where we are currently replacing 1.8km of mains - the longest mains replacement on the Island to date. The upgrade is expected to be complete by January 2026. Work to replace a section of main on the A3054 between Shalfleet and Ningwood Hill got underway yesterday (Monday, 20 October). Two-way traffic lights are currently in place, with work expected to be completed by mid-December.
Today (Tuesday, 21 October) Southern Water met local councillors to provide an early briefing on planned mains replacement works on Horsebridge Hill and Elenors Grove, Fishbourne, set to start in early 2026.
One-way traffic management will be in place from Cowes to Newport from 26 January to 17 April, with controlled access for buses and emergency services. The A3054 Elenors Grove will be closed from Fishbourne to Ryde with diversions in place from 2 February to 10 April. Letters are going out to explain plans to affected customers and businesses, with public drop-in events to be announced before the end of the year.
The Isle of Wight mains replacement programme has been carefully planned around summer holidays and the island’s event schedule, and was developed in partnership with Island Roads, which provides highway services.
Nicholas Marshall, our Senior Project Manager, said: “Many of the pipes that supply the Island are more than 100 years old and it’s essential they are upgraded to reduce the risk of bursts and interruption to supply. While we understand that road closures are never welcome, we’ve worked closely with Island Roads to minimise disruption and ensure we are able to complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. We are grateful to customers for their support and patience as we work to future-proof the Island’s mains for years to come.”