Southern Water is to begin a major £2.3 million sewer improvement scheme in parts of West Sussex.
The work will focus on Barnham and surrounding areas south of Chichester, where sections of the sewer network will be sealed to reduce the amount of groundwater entering the system during wet weather.
Excess groundwater infiltration has been an ongoing issue in this part of West Sussex and can increase the risk of flooding and storm overflows.
The scheme builds on similar projects already completed near Chichester, where Southern Water is working to seal 16km of sewer in the villages of East Dean, Charlton and Singleton. Teams are currently carrying out work in West Dean.
As part of the Barnham project, Southern Water will carry out a series of investigations across the area to identify where further improvements may be needed.
This will include checking for incorrect domestic connections from properties into surface water sewers, identifying opportunities to introduce sustainable drainage solutions, and assessing parts of the network that could be improved.
The company says it is also working closely with local partners to reduce groundwater infiltration and manage water more effectively across the catchment.
Southern Water says the work forms part of its wider £1.5bn Clean Rivers and Seas Plan, which aims to reduce storm overflows across the region.
A public drop-in event is being held at Barnham Community Hall in Yapton Road on May 5 from 6:30pm to 8pm, where residents can find out more about the scheme.
Glenn McCubbin, from Southern Water’s Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force, said:
“This area has a long history of groundwater-related flooding, which puts real pressure on the sewer network during wet weather and beyond.
“By sealing sewers, investigating connections and working with our partners to manage water more sustainably, we can make a real difference for the community and help reduce the impact of storm overflows and help provide a resilient sewer system fit for the future.”
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