Civic chiefs have said they were 'appalled' at Southern Water's response to recent flooding issues.

Cllr Martin Tod, leader of Winchester City Council, was asked about how the council is holding the water company to account. 

This comes after the hosepipe ban during the summer, raw sewage on Winchester High Street and in Brambridge. 

Cllr Tod said: “Like all of us, I’ve been appalled at Southern Water’s recent failures in our district, whether it’s raw sewage in the High Street or Brambridge, failed supply before Christmas in the communities immediately south of Winchester or the ongoing problem of discharges into our rivers and waterways.

“I also continue to be frustrated at their failure to invest to address the phosphate and nitrate issues that are unnecessarily holding up future development or to upgrade sewerage systems to address the extra pressure of development.

READ MORE: Brambridge: Flooding and sewage flows into River Itchen again

“I know that members share my concerns at Southern Water’s failings – as witness the motion we passed unanimously in July last year – and I’m pleased to confirm that Southern Water will be attending the Health & Environment Policy Committee on March 1 where committee members will have the chance to cross-examine them – and the Environment Agency – in public on all these issues. 

“I have also had a chance to cross-examine Southern Water – on the council’s behalf – at July’s meeting of the Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH) board – primarily on the issue of water treatment upgrades to tackle phosphates, nitrates and sewer discharges – and make the case for investment to address these issues – as well as understand the role of other bodies, such as OFWAT, and other programmes, such as the Water Industry National Environment Programme, in authorizing their investment plans.

“Unfortunately, we do not have direct powers to hold Southern Water to require them to address their failings: the days when the water and sewer system was built and run by local government are long gone. OFWAT, as the official regulator for Southern Water, has the power to ‘call them to account’, however Winchester City Council officers do actively engage with water companies where their operations adversely affect Winchester residents. 
“While I think the Health & Environment Policy Committee should be the centre of our public discussions with Southern Water, the scale of the problem is such that I am seeking further meetings with Southern Water to ensure that any issues raised at the committee are followed up and to continue to press for action to address the many issues with water supply and treatment that continue to face our district.”

A Southern Water spokesman said: “We are sorry for the disruption that recent flooding incidents and a water supply issue has caused customers in the Winchester area.

“We understand the concerns raised, and are working hard to make improvements to our network in these locations.

“We continue to work closely with key stakeholders, and will keep them updated throughout this process.”