How we're protecting communities following heavy rainfall
We are stepping up our response across Hampshire, Sussex and Kent as relentless downpours push groundwater to extreme levels, putting enormous pressure on local communities and the sewer network.
With the ground saturated and aquifers brimming, we have deployed nearly 80 tankers to 26 sites to keep flows moving, protect homes and businesses, and cut the risk of sewer flooding and pollution.
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.
Customers can see where we’re actively managing groundwater impacts on our Groundwater Issues page.
How groundwater impacts communities
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 video explaining this can be found here.
Protecting communities by sewer sealing
Emergency tankers deal with today but we’re also tackling tomorrow. Across the region we’re sealing sewers so groundwater can’t get in. Examples of projects in Hampshire, Sussex and Kent include:
West Sussex – Lavant Valley
We’ve already sealed 15km of sewers across Singleton, Charlton and East Dean, and work has moved into West Dean, using specialist linings to stop groundwater infiltrating ageing pipes. That cuts the risk of overflows and helps protect the River Lavant and Chichester Harbour. We are also sealing sewers at Funtington and Bosham.
Hampshire
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.
Kent
A £3m sewer sealing programme is underway in Sittingbourne to seal 4.2km of pipe.
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.”