Southern Water has launched surveys in Emsworth, Southbourne, Nutbourne, and Chidham as part of its Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force, focusing on reducing discharges from Thornham Wastewater Treatment Works into Chichester Harbour.
These overflows occur when the system is overwhelmed by excess surface and groundwater.
Jon Yates, head of delivery for the Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force, said: “We’re delighted to start work on reducing storm overflows in this much-loved area of the Hampshire and Sussex coastline.
“Our teams will be visible on the ground in Emsworth and the villages along the A259, working to investigate our network and identify areas for improvement.
“This initial investigation stage will last around three months before we start to look at rolling out solutions that will make a real difference in reducing overflows.”
Potential solutions include relining or replacing sewer pipes to prevent groundwater infiltration and introducing sustainable drainage schemes (SuDS) such as raingardens, water butts, and swales to slow surface water runoff.
These efforts are part of Southern Water’s £1.5 billion Clean Rivers and Seas Plan, which aims to significantly reduce storm overflows and protect the environment across Hampshire, Kent, Sussex and the Isle of Wight.
Residents can learn more about the ongoing surveys and planned improvements at a drop-in event on Friday, September 12, at St John’s Church on Stein Road (A259), Southbourne, from 1pm to 8pm.
The work in Chichester Harbour supports the wider Three Harbours Partnership, which also includes Langstone and Pagham, and focuses on water quality, carbon capture, and biodiversity.
Recent investments by Southern Water include £4 million to tackle storm overflows in Bognor Regis and a separate scheme in Bosham.
The company is also investing £170 million in the Portsmouth Harbour area to further improve water quality and protect shellfish.
The current investigative phase in the Chichester Harbour area is expected to take around three months, after which Southern Water will begin implementing targeted solutions to reduce stormwater discharges and improve the resilience of the wastewater network.