Southern Water says the level of ammonia in flood water brought by October’s storms was ‘extremely low’, adding it carries out routine tests.
In this case there was dilution from ‘significant rainfall,’ it said.
A spokesperson said,
“Unfortunately, a small number of properties and businesses experienced external flooding and an even smaller number were flooded internally.
“All customers experiencing internal flooding were quickly visited by our critical response teams and a thorough clean-up was carried out.”
Fears of deluge of ‘black water’
However, Ryde resident Colin Armitt, whose house flooded while he was on holiday, said his property had not been visited by Southern Water.
He feared the deluge had involved ‘black water’, which he said is highly contaminated.
The decomposition of nitrogen-containing organic matter in domestic sewage, as well as in other sources, can create ammonia.
Twelve families rehoused
It is understood twelve families had to be rehoused.
Southern Water says it is continuing to work closely with partner agencies to investigate all flooding incidents on a case-by-case basis.
Sewers overwhelmed by ‘exceptional’ rainfall and surface water
Apologising, it said its sewers were overwhelmed by ‘exceptional’ rainfall and surface water which led to flash flooding on Wednesday, 25th October 2023.
The firm said it was aware of how distressing flooding can be and explained the extremely heavy rain made operations at its waste water pumping stations and water supply works “much more difficult than normal”.
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
