Southern Water starts work on sewer sealing programme

Southern Water has started work on a sewer sealing programme in Penton Mewsey and Appleshaw which will see more than 15.5km of sewer network sealed to prevent groundwater infiltration and improve wastewater resilience.

Southern Water has started work on a sewer sealing programme in Penton Mewsey and Appleshaw. (Image: Southern Water)

Carolin Till, project manager at Southern Water, said: "This is a vital investment to protect the environment and reduce the impact of tankering in these communities.

"By sealing these sewers, we're tackling groundwater infiltration, which has been a major challenge in this area.

"This, in turn, will also help our work to reduce storm overflows."

The sewers in these areas have been affected by groundwater infiltration, increasing the volume of water. 

The sealing work will eliminate the need for tankers and help ease the burden on Southern Water’s treatment works in the area.

The work will see more than 15.5km of sewer network sealed. (Image: Southern Water)

Work is already underway and is expected to be completed by autumn 2026.

The project will be delivered in small sections to minimise disruption to residents.

Southern Water is also sealing private lateral sewers at customers’ properties to further reduce infiltration and network pressure.

Nigel Blackmore, chairman of the Upper Anton Parishes Flood Forum, welcomed the scheme.

He said: "We’re really pleased to see this major investment that will benefit our community get underway.

"Our community, like others in this area of Hampshire, is impacted by groundwater flooding, which results in tankers throughout the year.

"We’re pleased to see Southern Water taking action to protect our community from flooding and reduce the likelihood of tankers being used in future."