Southern Water has developed its first ever Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP) – and is calling on customers and community groups to make their voices heard.
The plan looks at all the pressures on the region’s wastewater networks and system over the short, medium and long term, and considers how Southern Water should invest money from customers’ bills to make the changes and sustainable improvements needed.
Some of the issues considered by the plan are:
- The impacts of climate change and population growth on the region
- The effects wastewater treatment services have on the environment and wildlife, as well as local economies
- What can be done about flooding to homes and businesses.
Southern Water has worked with a range of partner organisations to investigate potential sustainable solutions to these issues. These options include better management of rainwater entering the networks to specifically reduce storm overflow releases.
Sally Beck, DWMP Engagement and Communications Manager says: “We really want to hear what our customers’ priorities are. It will help us shape our final DWMP before publication early in 2023.
“The DWMP is about making sure that we are doing the right thing for the region, both now and in the long term and it’s crucial that our customers’ voices are heard.”
The consultation closes at midnight on Monday 5 September.
Background Info:
Southern Water calls for people to have their say and respond to the draft plan through its public consultation at: https://www.southernwater.co.uk/dwmp/have-your-say.
The full plan and supporting documents are available at: https://www.southernwater.co.uk/dwmp.