Isle of Wight

We're upgrading and optimising some of our sites to improve their efficiency. This includes increased storm capacity at Appley and new pumps at two pumping stations to. These investments will help manage water flow.

We've found and are removing large numbers of misconnections from our network. This is where surface water run-off is accidentally connected to the foul sewer, which puts extra pressure on the system.

Buildings with large roofs lead to lots of surface water run-off. To help slow the amount of surface water entering the foul sewer, we've worked with businesses, schools and communities to help manage the run-off, such as with rain gardens and planters.

Highways are responsible for a lot of surface water entering the foul sewers. We're working with local authorities to reduce this flow. This includes implementing sustainable drainage systems such as tree pits, rain gardens and pocket basins.

Slow-draining water butts help to slow the amount of water entering the sewer network while giving people a store of rainwater that they can use around their gardens and green spaces. We offered slow-drain water butts to 1,000 homes in Gurnard/Cowes as well as all properties in Havenstreet.