Southern Water is using ultraviolet technology to treat waste water at two of its main sites in the Southampton area.

Slowhill Copse Wastewater Treatment Works in Marchwood and Millbrook Wastewater Treatment Works are both using the technology, which the utility company describes as 'state of the art'.

This means wastewater will be treated through a process that destroys disease causing organisms, meaning wastewater that returns to the environment is much cleaner.

READ MORE: Southern Water nears end of Millbrook sewage works upgrade

It follows widespread anger over the amount of raw sewage discharged into UK rivers and coastal waters during heavy rain.

The improvements form part of a wider investment of £63m to help protect shellfish in Southampton Water, with £25m being spent at Millbrook, £18m at Slowhill Copse, £13m at Woolston Wastewater Treatment Works and £8m at Ashlett Creek Wastewater Treatment Works.

John Penicud, Southern Water’s Director of Wastewater Operations, said:

“We’re delighted that both these sites now have UV technology, which is making a big difference to water quality in the area and helps our longer-term goal of improving the health of Southampton Water and protecting shellfish.

“We’re always looking for new ways to see where technology and innovation can help us in improving the environment, reducing storm overflows and creating healthier rivers and seas.”

The work is being carried out by contractor GTb, a joint venture between Galliford Try Environment and Binnies UK Ltd.

Millbrook’s UV process started in November, and Slowhill Copse’s during December.

Framework Director at GTb, Martin Hall, added: “We are delighted that the new equipment at Millbrook and Slowhill Copse is now in use.  These are our first two major projects to be put into service for Southern Water. It’s a fantastic result for all involved.”

This comes after the announcement that Southern Water would be spending nearly £30m on improving wastewater treatment works in the New Forest and parts of the Test Valley.

In 2021 Southern Water was fined a record £90m for dumping sewage into rivers and coastal waters in Hampshire and other parts of the south coast between 2010 and 2015.