Southern Water’s 50-Year Plan to Secure Future Water Supply

Southern Water has warned that its customers could face water shortages by 2034 if planned interventions are not put in place.

The company, which serves Worthing from its base in Yeoman Road, has released its draft water resources management plan for public consultation. The plan outlines strategies to ensure water supply until 2075, taking into account projected population growth and the effects of climate change.

Key measures in the plan include the construction of a new reservoir in West Sussex, upgrades to existing water treatment facilities, and the use of new technologies to meet increasing demand. Southern Water currently supplies 565 million litres of water daily and estimates it will need to provide an additional 587 million litres by 2075.

Director of Water Tim McMahon highlighted the need to prepare for more severe droughts, referencing past events and predicting worsening conditions due to climate change.