Southern Water has announced the completion of a £4.5 million upgrade at Calbourne Wastewater Treatment Works, describing it as a step that strengthens the health of the local environment.
Each stage of the project aims to raise the quality of treated water that flows into the Caul Bourne stream.
Upgrades at the Calbourne site
Engineers installed a new ferric dosing system and a new tank on the site. They also refurbished the reedbeds, which act as natural filtration systems and help clean wastewater before it returns to the environment.
Southern Water positions these improvements as part of a wider programme to enhance environmental performance and safeguard water habitats across the Island.
Comments from those leading the work
Taniko Aston-Kolek, Project Manager for Southern Water, said,
“This project is a great example of how targeted investment can deliver real environmental benefits.
“By upgrading our treatment processes at Calbourne, we’re helping to protect the Caul Bourne and contribute to cleaner seas around the Isle of Wight—supporting our goal of improving water quality across the region.”
Martin Richards, Project Manager for GTb, added,
“It’s great to see this project finished. We’d like to thank the residents of Calbourne for their patience while we undertook this work.”
Part of a wider investment programme
Southern Water recently invested £21 million in other Island projects designed to improve bathing water quality.
A further £99 million is already committed for future work across the Isle of Wight.
One of the largest schemes is a £17 million upgrade planned for Sandown Wastewater Treatment Works, which Southern Water expects to complete by the end of the year.
