Water firm launches storm overflow reduction pilot

A village in West Sussex has been announced as the site of a new pilot project to cut storm overflows.

Bosham is affected by groundwater in wetter months, which can lead to private pipes and Southern Water’s network being overloaded.

The firm's new project will include relining and sealing up to 6.15 miles (9.9km) of sewer in Funtington and building a new wetland scheme close to Bosham Wastewater Treatment Works by the summer of 2027.

Joff Edevane, of the Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force, said it will “make a real difference” in reducing storm overflows in and around Chichester Harbour.

The pilot project will also include sealing private pipes where required to reduce infiltration into Southern Water’s sewer network.

Mr Edevane added: “We know that this area suffers with significant groundwater challenges, so we are keen to employ a mixture of approaches that have proven successful elsewhere to tackle this problem and reduce storm overflows.

“We are looking forward to working closely with the local community during these efforts, for the benefit of customers and the local environment.”

The announcement comes after Southern Water received government backing for an extra £10m of spending over the next year to tackle storm overflows.

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