Councillors have called for an investigation after raw sewage entered a stream that feeds the River Itchen after a burst pipe.
The burst pipe near the Southern Water pumping station on Bishopstoke Lane, Bishopstoke, led to raw sewage flowing into Bow Lake Stream, which runs into the River Itchen.
The incident happened on March 4, when a rising main burst south of the pumping station.
Winchester City councillors Liam Bailey-Morgan and Susan Cook, along with Louise Parker-Jones of Hampshire County Council and Eastleigh Borough Council, raised concerns after the spill.
According to the councillors, the pumping station has been the subject of maintenance and operational work over the past 12 months, and councillors are seeking clarification on whether the latest spill may be linked to those earlier issues.
Councillor Parker-Jones said that work needs to be done to know whether the incident is connected to earlier problems.
“There has been a history of works and operational issues at this pumping station over the past year, and it is important that we understand whether this latest spill is connected to those earlier problems.
“With waterways crossing local authority boundaries, it’s vital that councils work together to ensure the infrastructure serving our communities is reliable and properly maintained.”
Councillor Bailey-Morgan said stronger protection was needed for local waterways. He said: “Our chalk streams and local waterways are among the most precious natural assets in our region, and they must be properly protected.
“I have asked the Environment Agency to make clear what action it will take to hold Southern Water to account for this incident and to ensure any failures are addressed. Residents deserve transparency and confidence that our water infrastructure is being managed responsibly.”
The councillors said they have visited the site, spoken with Southern Water and written to both the company and the Environment Agency asking for a full explanation of what happened.
A Southern Water spokesperson said two bursts had been repaired on the sewer in Bishopstoke Lane.
The spokesperson said: “We have repaired two bursts on the sewer in Bishopstoke Lane.
“The first, around 15 metres from the watercourse, was fixed over the weekend, and during follow‑up work a second burst was identified nearby and also repaired.
“Our teams acted quickly to minimise any environmental impact. Tankering began within two hours to divert flows away, and hay bales were used to contain the spill to land and protect the watercourse.
“We are now assessing the condition of the sewers in this area to identify any further work required to help prevent issues like this in the future.”
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