Innovative nature-based and engineering solutions designed to cut storm overflows into Chichester Harbour are set for a series of Hampshire and West Sussex communities.
Southern Water's Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force is carrying out surveys of the wastewater network in the Emsworth, Southbourne, Nutbourne and Chidham areas.
Photo: Southern Water Emsworth taskforce reducing storm overflows into Chichester Harbour
The investigations will help teams decide on the actions required to reduce storm overflows from Thornham Wastewater Treatment Works that enter Chichester Harbour. Solutions could include relining or replacing sewer pipes so groundwater cannot get in, and the creation of Sustainable Drainage Schemes (SuDS) like raingardens, water butts and swales which slow the flow of surface water.
This approach is part of the £1.5 billion Clean Rivers and Seas Plan to drastically cut storm overflow numbers, and help protect the environment and Hampshire, Kent, Sussex and the Isle of Wight.
Southern Water said the efforts in Chichester Harbour form an important part of role in the Three Harbours Partnership – alongside Langstone and Pagham - with organisations working together to protect and enhance the precious environments, particularly in terms of water quality, carbon capture and biodiversity.
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.”
Southern Water recently announced how it is spending £4 million to reduce storm overflows at Bognor Regis. The utility also has a scheme at Bosham – close to the locations where it is now working along Chichester Harbour.
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.”
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