Southern Water is ramping up its emergency response across Hampshire.
The company is deploying extra resources in the county, as well as in Sussex and Kent, after persistent heavy rainfall has pushed groundwater levels to extremes, putting pressure on sewer networks and raising the risk of flooding and pollution.
Almost 80 tankers have been mobilised to 26 locations to help manage excess flows and reduce the threat to homes, businesses, and the environment.
George Taylor, director of wastewater operations at Southern Water, 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."
Southern Water is also carrying out long-term sewer sealing projects to reduce groundwater infiltration and future flooding.
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These include £3.5m of works in Penton Mewsey and Appleshaw, where more than 15.5 kilometres of sewer are being sealed to reduce storm overflows and pressure on treatment facilities.
The work is being carried out in phases to minimise disruption and is expected to be completed by autumn 2026.
In West Sussex, 15km of sewers have already been sealed in Singleton, Charlton and East Dean, with the project now extending to West Dean, Funtington and Bosham.
These works aim to protect the River Lavant and Chichester Harbour by preventing overflows.
A £3m sewer sealing programme is underway in Sittingbourne, Kent, to seal 4.2 kilometres of pipe.
Southern Water has said it is sorry for the noise and disruption the traffic causes.
The volume of rain has saturated chalk aquifers, which act like sponges and release water over time.
This delayed runoff raises the water table and can force groundwater into sewers, reducing capacity and causing long-term strain on the network.
The company said this means systems can become overloaded even weeks after the rain has stopped, making ongoing emergency measures necessary.
Customers can see where Southern Water is actively managing groundwater impacts on its Groundwater Issues page.
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