Listen Again

Digital sewers save Sussex river from pollution

Wednesday, 30 July 2025 06:00

A high-tech alert system hidden beneath Seddlescombe has helped prevent a major pollution incident on the River Brede.

Southern Water says a sewer in the village was at risk of overflowing due to a build-up of fat, oil, grease, and so-called ‘unflushables’.

But thanks to AI-powered sensors, engineers received an early warning, which meant the blockage was cleared before it could flood homes and gardens or harm the nearby river.

Daniel McElhinney, Proactive Operations Control Manager at Southern Water, said:

More from Local News

Man remanded in custody charged with Chichester stabbing

A man has been remanded in custody, charged with causing grievous bodily harm in Chichester.
South braces for thunderstorms

A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms is now in place across the South.
Delayed decision over Local Plan in Horsham

Horsham District Council has delayed making a decision on whether or not to withdraw its Local Plan.
Brighton Pride 2025 - All you need to know

Brighton is preparing for one of its biggest weekends of the year as Pride 2025 takes over the city, with pop legend Mariah Carey set to headline the celebrations.
West Sussex hits out at government plans to help less wealthy councils in the north of England

Government plans for council tax ‘equalisation’ have been described as ‘grossly unfair’ by a West Sussex county councillor.
Boy trapped in brambles in Steyning

There's a warning from West Sussex Fire and Rescue for everyone to take care while out and about in the countryside.
Brighton and Hove expansion plans debated

Proposals to expand Brighton and Hove eastwards are due to go before councillors as part of a debate on the proposed shake up of councils across Sussex.
Violence on the rail network in the South East is on the rise.

The RMT Union is highlighting the issues experienced by rail workers who say they are facing daily abuse, including assaults and spitting.
Three arrested after Haywards Heath assault

Police investigating an assault on a boy in Haywards Heath on Monday (28 July), have made three arrests.
Increase in wildfires in Hampshire

A senior fire officer is calling for vigilance from the public after crews across Hampshire saw a five-fold increase in wildfires compared to last year.