Southern Water has unveiled its plans for a new water recycling plant on Isle of Wight aimed at creating a new sustainable source of water to help keep taps and rivers flowing, especially during a drought.

Currently, around one-third of the Isle of Wight’s water supply comes from the River Test in Hampshire and is pumped across to the Island from the mainland. However, the amount Southern Water can take from the River Test has been reduced to protect the rare and delicate chalk stream ecosystem.

A new source of water is needed to maintain supplies on the Isle of Wight, which are also under pressure from a growing population and changing climate.

The project would be capable of pumping up to 8 million litres of purified recycled water into the River Yar at Alverstone a day via a new pipeline. Doing so would allow more water to be taken downstream from the river at the Sandown Water Supply Works during a drought.

At the Sandown Water Supply Works, the water taken from the river would continue to be treated to strict drinking water standards before being sent into supply. During a drought, water recycling will support water supplies across the island.

Water recycling uses special membranes to remove salts and a range of other impurities. The process involves several stages of treatment including micro or ultra-filtration and reverse osmosis.

The approach has been used around the world for more than 40 years and is now being developed by water companies across England. Southern Water is planning to build four water recycling plants, including one in Havant that will also help protect the River Test.

Simon Cook, Capital Programme Manager at Southern Water, said:

"Water recycling is safe, sustainable and drought-proof. The proposed Isle of Wight Water Recycling Project will make the Island more self-sufficient while helping protect the River Test.

“It’s all part of our plan to use water more wisely. This means reducing leakage and improving water efficiency in homes and businesses, but it also means looking at new ways of using the treated wastewater that is currently wasted as it’s pumped out to rivers or the sea.”

Next steps

A series of surveys and investigations have been undertaken at the proposed construction site and along the proposed pipeline route and are continuing.

A public consultation is planned for the winter/early next year to give people opportunities to find out more about the project and have their say on the developing plans.

The consultation will be followed by a planning application to Isle of Wight Council early next year. If approved, construction would begin towards the end of 2025, with the water recycling plant operational by 2030.