Southern Water trials new solution to tackle sewer overflows.

Southern Water has become the first UK water company to use a special gel which fixes leaking sewer pipes without the need to dig holes.

 TuboGel is now being used to seal pipes in villages west of Andover in Hampshire following previous successful trials in Alfriston and Firle in Sussex.

The product is made up of two separate liquids which when poured into a pipe together, harden when they combine, solidifying to make an enduring stone seal around the leak.

It is being used specifically to seal private pipes, which can be a major source of leaks that infiltrate and overwhelm sewers, leading to storm releases.

The technology is being trialled as part of Southern Water’s Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force pathfinder project in the pan parishes in northern Hampshire, which is one of pathfinders that focus on reducing or slowing the amount of surface water which enters sewers during a storm.

One of the first people to see TuboGel in action was Winchester and Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine, who saw it in use at the pan parishes, west of Andover in Hampshire.

Pathfinder Lead, Keith Herbert said:

“More than 40% of the sewerage network is private and can be in poor condition. It is great to be able to help customers without causing the disruption associated with digging holes and closing roads. Although it is early days in trialling TuboGel we are encouraged with what we’re seeing and the potential benefits this can bring us for tackling unpleasant sewage leaks.”

Winchester and Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine, said:

“The issue of water, and in particular combined storm overflows (CSO’s) which can trigger discharges into rivers and the sea, I am determined to understand what is an extremely complex issue.

"I visited Southern Water to hear about their ‘Pathfinder’ project in Thruxton (near Andover) which is working on a solution to the role high groundwater levels play in overwhelming our sewer systems. Hugely impressive teamwork, covering private properties as well as Southern Water’s own networks, from their Pan Parish Forum which brings together either parish councils. Good learning for our area I will be taking with me.”