Isle of Wight Council has agreed to write to Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs over Southern Water’s environmental performance.
The letter will express the council’s ‘serious concerns’ and request a review of whether the utility is meeting expected regulatory and service standards.
Combined motion
Councillors reached the decision at County Hall last night (Wednesday, 15th July 2026), backing a combined alternative motion from independent council leader Jonathan Bacon and Reform UK councillor Les Kirkby.
Coincidentally on the same day it was revealed that Southern Water has pleaded guilty to polluting a Hampshire chalk stream – the river that supplies one third of water to the Isle of Wight.
Motion of no confidence
The motion declaring no confidence in a range of Southern Water’s current work on the Isle of Wight failed to gather enough votes.
Building an evidence base
County Hall will also now establish a ‘clear evidence base’, bringing together data on the frequency, location and impact of sewage discharges affecting the Island from all relevant stakeholders, including affected residents, businesses, the tourism industry and public health agencies.
Lobbying and accountability
Other agreed points include coordinating ‘appropriate lobbying activity’ to seek and promote stronger enforcement and accountability regarding water companies as well as inviting senior Southern Water, Ofwat and EA representatives to attend a future Isle of Wight Council meeting to answer questions on environmental performance and planned improvements.
Investment assurances sought
Point three says the council requires that Southern Water gives written assurance that sufficient investment is made available and the company be requested to confirm planned future infrastructure improvements are delivered in a ‘timely manner’.
A further requirement is that Southern Water be asked to confirm the necessary measures are being taken to reduce sewage discharges, environmental impacts and cleanups.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
