Sandown Town Council has unanimously declared that it has no confidence in Southern Water’s management of its current and proposed operations in Sandown, citing concerns over sewage discharges, declining bathing water quality, persistent odour problems and a lack of meaningful engagement with the community.
Motion carried unanimously
The decision followed requests from residents leading to a motion of no confidence being considered by the Council on 26th October 2026, during which Councillor Paddy Lightfoot outlined three key areas of concern: pollution and water quality, odour from the existing treatment works, and the proposed wastewater recycling plant.
Councillors agreed that the resolution must go beyond a declaration of no confidence and provide a clear route towards improvement, accountability and the restoration of public trust. The current situation cannot become the status quo.
Concerns over sewage discharges and water quality
The Council raised serious concerns about Southern Water’s storm overflow discharges into Sandown Bay and their potential impact on bathing water quality, public health and the coastal environment.
Southern Water’s publicly available data shows that they discharged storm overflow from its two Sandown sea outfall pipes for almost 1,621 hours in 2025, an average of 4.4 hours a day every day of the year. Southern Water reports that discharges were 47% higher across the area in 2024 (but actual figures for Sandown report 4081 hrs (151% increase). Southern Water attributes this variance to weather conditions.
Sandown’s bathing water classification has also fallen from Excellent to Good, raising concerns about future water quality, potential Blue Flag eligibility and the town’s reputation. Monitoring only takes place from 15 May to the end of September where there is usually less storm overflow. It would be reasonable to assume water quality is significantly lower during the other, wetter, months where storm overflows are much higher.
There are now frequent reports of members of the public not going swimming due to water quality concerns. As classifications rely on four years of historic data, recent increases in discharges may not yet be fully reflected, while limited monitoring outside the bathing season remains a concern given year-round sea use.
Persistent odour problems affecting residents and businesses
Councillors also raised concerns about ongoing odour issues associated with Southern Water’s existing treatment works.
While Southern Water has attributed odour problems to periods of hot weather, residents have reported that unpleasant smells occur in a range of weather conditions and have reached unacceptable levels.
Evidence presented during the Council’s discussion also raised questions about whether operational procedures were being followed and the impact of equipment failures, noting it was believed some equipment issues were reported to have remained unresolved for approximately three years.
Members expressed concern that there appeared to be no sufficiently robust plan to permanently resolve the problem, which continues to affect the amenity of nearby residents, visitors and local businesses.
Questions over the proposed wastewater recycling plant
The Council also reaffirmed its concerns about the proposed wastewater recycling plant, citing the planning issues already set out in its formal objections to both the initial and revised planning application.
Councillors agreed that the resolution must go beyond a declaration of no confidence and provide a clear route towards improvement, accountability and the restoration of public trust. The current situation cannot become the status quo.
In addition, given the continuing concerns surrounding the existing treatment works, including odour and sewage discharges, councillors felt that residents needed stronger assurances about the delivery and future operation of a new facility.
A call for action, transparency and accountability
The Council emphasised that rebuilding trust requires open communication, genuine engagement with the community and clear evidence that concerns are being addressed.
The motion was unanimously carried, with councillors agreeing that Southern Water must demonstrate tangible improvements if confidence is to be restored.
The Council’s resolution states:
“That as of 26 October 2026, Sandown Town Council has no confidence in Southern Water’s management of its current and proposed operations in Sandown, or in its response to community concerns.”
The Council will review progress after three months and reconsider the resolution within six months, or sooner if substantial progress is made.
It has identified the following measures as essential to restoring confidence:
- Improved engagement and communication with the Council and the local community.
- Transparent reporting on operational performance and environmental impacts.
- Delivery of agreed actions and commitments.
- Sustained improvements in the effects of Southern Water’s activities on residents, businesses and the environment.
To support this process, the Council is requesting monthly written reports from Southern Water, commencing in November 2026. These reports should cover storm overflows and their impacts on water quality; odour incidents, their causes, mitigation measures and effects on residents and businesses; and progress on the proposed wastewater recycling plant, including public engagement and any material changes affecting Sandown.
The reports will help the Council assess whether meaningful progress is being made and whether public confidence can be restored. Southern Water has confirmed that it is happy to provide the reports requested.
Sandown Town Council is calling on Southern Water to work constructively with the Council and the community, address the issues raised and demonstrate through measurable action that it is committed to improving its operations in Sandown.
The Council believes that confidence cannot be restored through assurances alone. It must be earned through transparency, accountability and sustained, demonstrable improvements.
OnTheWight has contacted Southern Water for a response and will update once we hear back.
News shared by Jenn on behalf of Sandown Town Council. Ed
