A motion of no confidence in Southern Water has been passed by an Isle of Wight public body after ‘repeated infrastructure failures’.
East Cowes Town Council (ECTC) declared no confidence in the company’s current management of wastewater and sewage infrastructure serving East Cowes and the surrounding Medina, at its 17th September 2026 meeting.
Councillors cite repeated pollution incidents
The agreed text mentions repeated infrastructure failures, pollution incidents and sewage discharges affecting residents, local waters and the environment.
In response, a Southern Water spokesperson said the utility takes concerns about its performance seriously and recognises customers in the Cowes area want to see further improvements to the wastewater network.
What the motion demands
ECTC’s passed motion said,
“The council calls upon Southern Water to provide a clear, fully costed and time-bound programme of investment and remedial works for the infrastructure serving East Cowes, including measures necessary to improve network resilience and reduce the risk of further pollution incidents.”
Millfield Avenue sewage burst
An ECTC spokesperson said councillors have considered several sewage-related incidents affecting the town, including the untreated wastewater pipe burst at Millfield Avenue, which resulted in sewage entering Old Road and surrounding gardens, driveways, and garages.
They added that the incident caused damage to the highway, affected access to Holy Cross School, and was followed by Southern Water warnings against bathing in the sea around East Cowes.
Members have also received information presented by independent county councillor Becca Cameron regarding sewage discharges and their impact on residents and the local environment.
Southern Water’s response
A Southern Water spokesperson said,
“We take concerns about our performance seriously and recognise our customers in the Cowes area want to see further improvements to the wastewater network.
“That’s why we are investing millions of pounds to reduce storm overflows, improve infrastructure and enhance environmental performance across the Island.
“We have made a series of commitments focused on reducing spills, strengthening engagement, improving communication and increasing transparency. This will be helped by more than £67m of investment across the Island.
“We also held a Your Water Matters event on the Isle of Wight earlier this month, to discuss concerns with customers.”
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
