Charlie Elphicke MP for Dover and Deal called a meeting at the Palace of Westminster last week with the agencies and organisations who manage flooding issues.
As a result of the severe weather experienced in early January, a number of flooding incidents affected Southern Water’s region, and in particular the Deal area.
Describing flooding as “a complex issue” for which many agencies and organisations are responsible, the water company said while it was not the agency directly responsible for investigating and solving groundwater, river flooding or surface water problems, the issues often impact adversely on the sewer network.
Following on from the meeting, Southern Water said it worked alongside local councils, the Environment Agency, highways authorities and others to help address the issues collectively and welcomed the opportunity to discuss how it could provide a reliable and sustainable wastewater service for the people of Deal.
The utility is currently investing heavily in Deal and surrounding areas- work undertaken includes extensive inspections of the sewer network, together with the installation of sewer level monitors in key areas to provide an early alert system to improve response to issues with the network.
An improvement plan is also underway at Southern Water’s Golf Road wastewater pumping station (WPS). Due to complete by July 2016, the plan involves the replacement of the control systems on site as well as the refurbishment of the stations three storm pumps.
In a statement, Southern Water it would be working on a wider drainage area plan for Deal throughout 2016 which would involve looking at options to reduce surface water impact and future capacity for development.
The water company added that it was looking at traditional and innovative new methods to reduce flooding across the Southern Water region and was committed to working collaboratively with other organisations who likewise had important drainage responsibilities.
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