Home / Environment / Southern Water's £42m Pledge for Cleaner Kent Waters
Southern Water's £42m Pledge for Cleaner Kent Waters
7 May
Summary
- £42m invested to reduce sewage spills in Kent.
- Works target wastewater plants and sewer networks.
- Investment aims to improve resilience and cut pollution.
Southern Water is launching a £42 million initiative to combat sewage spills and pollution across Kent. The investment targets critical wastewater treatment works, pumping stations, and sewer networks in areas including Folkestone and Hythe. This program, set to run until 2030, aims to significantly improve environmental resilience and minimize ecological damage.
The largest single allocation is £10 million for Dymchurch Wastewater Treatment Works, with Hythe receiving £8.6 million. Villages such as Elham, Lyminge, and Peene will benefit from £7.5 million dedicated to sealing sewers. Other key upgrades include £7.6 million for Sellinge Wastewater Treatment Works, £3.7 million for Lydd, and £2 million for Brooklands.
This comprehensive plan follows years of criticism concerning sewage discharges into rivers and coastal waters, alongside concerns about storm overflows during heavy rainfall. Southern Water's historical environmental record includes a £90 million fine in 2021 for illegal sewage discharges between 2010 and 2015.
