Reducing storm overflow releases in Sandown

What are we doing? 

We’re building another storm tank to increase the amount of storm water that can be stored on the site during periods of heavy rainfall to prevent storm overflows and improve the quality of discharges going out to sea. This project will allow us to treat more wastewater and meet future growth in the catchment. 

In August 2023, preparation work started within the grounds of our existing wastewater treatment works. The storm tank is nearly finished but due to unfavourable ground conditions there have been some delays. To catch up, we now have to work weekends until May. 

Useful information for residents and visitors 

Occasionally, we’ll need to move some stored material that is a by-product of the wastewater treatment process. This can be a bit smelly! We’ll do everything we can to reduce this and try to avoid deliveries being made during school drop-off and pick up times when the roads are already busy.  

From Saturday 17 January until Saturday 16 May 2026, we’ll be working Saturdays between 8am-5pm and Sundays between 9am- 4pm. We are hoping to only work on Saturdays but may need to work both days.

During this time, you may notice an increase in vehicles moving around the site, including a crane and an excavator. There won’t be any noisy work like breaking of concrete.

Contact the Capital Projects Customer Team 

You can email the Capital Projects Customer Team at capitalcomms@southernwater.co.uk. They will always get back to you within 5 working days, but usually less. 

Alternatively, you can call Southern Water on 0330 3030 368. Just tell us you’re calling about Capital Projects, with Project Reference Number (PRN) 751098 so we can help you more quickly.