Asset resilience
To keep our network strong in the face of adverse weather conditions, we're focusing on the resilience of our assets. This includes strengthening our systems and processes to better prepare for storms and extreme weather.
Southern Water's Pollution Incident Reduction Plan
Our latest Pollution Incident Reduction Plan (PIRP) shows how we're progressing towards our goals to reduce pollution incidents to zero by 2040.
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An overview of the plan
Building upon our previous pollution reduction plans, this plan shows our interventions for year four and their expected benefits.
The success of these pollution reduction actions will be measured using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) shown in the full plan.
One of the highlights of the plan is the digitalisation of our wastewater networks. This includes using sewer level monitors to predict blockages in pipes and stop pollution incidents from happening.
What caused pollution incidents in 2022?
Understanding the root causes of pollution incidents helps us to plan the solutions that will have the biggest impact. Out of 358 total pollution incidents in 2022, here are the main causes.
What caused pollution incidents in 2022?
Understanding the root causes of pollution incidents helps us to plan the solutions that will have the biggest impact. Out of 358 total pollution incidents in 2022, here are the main causes.
31%
Incidents caused by fat, oil and grease and non-flushable blockages.
25%
Incidents caused by electrical faults at our sites.
10%
Incidents caused by burst rising mains.
8%
Incidents caused by third-party failures.
8%
Incidents caused by control issues.
6%
Incidents caused by mechanical faults on our network.
Three lines of defence
Our three lines of defence include interventions to reduce pollution incidents via incident prevention, proactive interventions and pollution response, and asset recovery.
Escape prevention
The network digitalisation programme is the initiative with the most impact on reductions in pollution incidents from the foul sewer network. The programme focuses on the maintenance and cleaning of pipes.
Asset resilience
To keep our network strong in the face of adverse weather conditions, we're focusing on the resilience of our assets. This includes strengthening our systems and processes to better prepare for storms and extreme weather.
Three lines of defence
Our three lines of defence include interventions to reduce pollution incidents via incident prevention, proactive interventions and pollution response, and asset recovery.
Escape prevention
The network digitalisation programme is the initiative with the most impact on reductions in pollution incidents from the foul sewer network. The programme focuses on the maintenance and cleaning of pipes.
Lawrence Gosden, Chief Executive Officer
"By 2025, we want to reduce the number of pollution incidents by a minimum of half compared to 2019, but have plans that could see us go as far as 80%. What’s more, we have set ourselves an ambitious target to reduce pollution incidents to zero by 2040."
How you can help
We're leading the sector in self-reporting pollution. This means our staff are trained to spot pollution incidents no matter how small. However, we need eyes and ears everywhere. If you see something that you think might be a pollution incident to report, please get in touch on 0330 303 0368.
Together, we can protect and improve the environment.
View our previous plans
The plan builds on previous pollution reduction programmes published in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Pollution Incident Reduction Plan 2022
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Pollution Incident Reduction Plan - April 2021
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Pollution Incident Reduction Plan 2020
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