Residents throughout Sussex have made their priorities clear: they demand improved water quality in rivers and along coastlines, and they expect tangible, continuous advancement. Southern Water acknowledges that confidence must be restored and is committed to addressing this challenge by guiding the company toward better environmental outcomes for waterways and marine environments. The organization is implementing immediate, practical measures to decrease storm overflow incidents and preserve valued local areas.
Southern Water has now progressed twelve months into its £1.5 billion Clean Rivers and Seas Plan. This spending initiative concentrates on resolving the fundamental sources of storm overflows by preventing rainwater and groundwater from entering sewer systems initially, thereby enabling enduring enhancements. Although considerable distance remains, preliminary outcomes demonstrate effectiveness—over the last year, more than 700 storm overflow releases have been stopped throughout the service area.
Within Sussex, exceeding £300 million will be allocated across the coming five years, directed toward several ecologically vulnerable zones. The majority of the program combines catchment approaches maximizing current infrastructure, new environmental solutions, and asset improvements. These measures aim to decrease storm overflows, assist wildlife, and establish more robust local ecosystems.
In West Sussex, 16 kilometers of sewer sealing has been finished—the greatest amount completed in any county. The Lavant wetland, established in 2024, now guarantees that all overflows from the location receive treatment. An additional 4,456 homes across Burgess Hill, Bognor Regis, and Hurstpierpoint have also been examined, with local community outreach currently in progress to assist upcoming roof separation programs. This effort emphasizes accuracy alongside speed—utilizing information and local knowledge to implement appropriate solutions in appropriate locations.
In East Sussex, efforts concentrate on initial evaluation and focused groundwater reduction in locations facing highest risk. In Fairlight, 2 kilometers of sewer sealing has been finished, diminishing groundwater seepage into the system. Additionally, 685 homes in Hailsham have been assessed, establishing substantial data to shape future roof separation implementation.
No universal solution exists; each catchment functions uniquely. For this reason, investment in pilot initiatives over the previous two years has tested numerous methodologies. The organization now possesses a solid comprehension of which approaches perform most effectively in varying conditions and is expanding those solutions.
This represents a complicated, nationwide difficulty, intensified by climate change and population increases. However, preliminary outcomes indicate that persistent, targeted action is starting to yield results. Substantial work remains, and through accelerating implementation and collaborating closely with communities and partners, the organization is developing the long-term resilience necessary to establish healthier watercourses throughout Sussex.
Nick Mills, Director of Environment & Innovation, Wastewater, Southern Water.