Southern Water will deliver a presentation at the Isle of Wight Council this week amid continued concerns over sewage discharges, water quality and community engagement.
Why the presentation is happening
It follows a motion passed by the council in July to request the attendance of a senior company representative at a relevant committee, to periodically explain the utility’s environmental performance and report on progress.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said that at a meeting between councillors and Southern Water in June, a shared commitment was expressed to improve outcomes for residents, businesses and the environment.
Councillors call for action
Councillor Mark Rochell, Liberal Democrat representative for Bembridge, said he appreciates Southern Water’s efforts in providing the council with a list of clear commitments and increasing their communications with both the authority and the public.
He added,
“I’m also looking forward to welcoming them to Bembridge in the next few weeks for a public meeting which will allow them to explain their specific plans for Bembridge.
“However, as always, what really matters are actions rather than words. It will therefore be interesting to hear from them this week as to how they are progressing in meeting the commitments they have made to the Island and its rivers and coastlines.”
Concerns over infrastructure and tourism
Councillor Ed Blake, leader of the Isle of Wight Conservatives, said residents across the Island have been “outraged” by recent events concerning the large number of untreated sewage discharges into the environment.
He added,
“I want to hear how Southern Water plan to stop this worsening situation and give timescales that we can hold them to account on.
“The government want to enforce 1,300 homes being built on the Island per year; how is that possible when the infrastructure we have got is already overwhelmed.
“We are a tourism-based economy attracting people to bathe in our waters; raw sewage being deposited into our seas threatens that.”
Sandown Town Council’s vote of no confidence
On Monday 26th October 2026, Sandown Town Council unanimously declared that it has no confidence in Southern Water’s management of its current and proposed operations in Sandown.
The public body cited concerns over sewage discharges, declining bathing water quality, persistent odour problems and a lack of meaningful engagement with the community.
Southern Water previously said it takes concerns about its performance seriously and claimed it is investing millions of pounds to reduce storm overflows, improve infrastructure and enhance environmental performance across the Island.
When and where
The presentation will be held at this Thursday’s (5th November) Environment and Community Protection Committee at County Hall, starting from 5pm. Members of the public are free to attend. Alternatively the meeting can be followed online.
Southern Water has been approached for further comment.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporting Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
