Understanding the root causes of pollution incidents helps us plan the solutions that will have the biggest impact. Out of a total of 234 pollution incidents in 2023, here are the main causes:
Southern Water's Pollution Incident Reduction Plan
We’re focused on reducing pollution incidents – our latest Pollution Incident Reduction Plan (PIRP) shows how.
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An overview of the plan
Our 2024 plan shows how we’re making significant progress in reducing pollution incidents.
It sets out our proactive approach, including using monitoring technology, to help us take action before there is an issue.
This plan builds on previous pollution reduction plans, and it will be measured using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Download our latest documents
Pollution Incident Reduction Plan 2024
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Pollution Incident Reduction Plan 2024 Annex
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What caused pollution incidents in 2023?
28% Blockages from fat, oil and grease and non-flushable items
Asset resilience
To keep our network strong in the face of adverse weather conditions, we're focusing on the resilience of our assets. This includes strengthening our systems and processes to better prepare for storms and extreme weather.
Three lines of defence
Our three lines of defence include interventions to reduce pollution incidents via incident prevention, proactive interventions and pollution response, and asset recovery.
Escape prevention
The network digitalisation programme is the initiative with the most impact on reductions in pollution incidents from the foul sewer network. The programme focuses on the maintenance and cleaning of pipes.
Asset resilience
To keep our network strong in the face of adverse weather conditions, we're focusing on the resilience of our assets. This includes strengthening our systems and processes to better prepare for storms and extreme weather.
Three lines of defence
Our three lines of defence include interventions to reduce pollution incidents via incident prevention, proactive interventions and pollution response, and asset recovery.
Escape prevention
The network digitalisation programme is the initiative with the most impact on reductions in pollution incidents from the foul sewer network. The programme focuses on the maintenance and cleaning of pipes.
Lawrence Gosden, Chief Executive Officer
"By 2025, we want to reduce the number of pollution incidents by a minimum of half compared to 2019, but have plans that could see us go as far as 80%. What’s more, we have set ourselves an ambitious target to reduce pollution incidents to zero by 2040."
How you can help
We're leading the sector in self-reporting pollution. This means our staff are trained to spot pollution incidents no matter how small. However, we need eyes and ears everywhere. If you see something that you think might be a pollution incident to report, please get in touch on 0800 952 1001.
Together, we can protect and improve the environment.
Our previous plans
The plan builds on previous pollution reduction programmes published in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Pollution Incident Reduction Plan 2023
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Pollution Incident Reduction Plan 2022
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Pollution Incident Reduction Plan - April 2021
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Pollution Incident Reduction Plan 2020
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