ENGINEERS will start drilling under the Isle of Wight and carrying out geological surveys to safeguard the Island's water supply.

The drilling will start any day on farmland in West Gurnard and continue for three weeks.

It forms part of Southern Water's scheme to replace two cross-Solent water mains, which run from the mainland.

Last week the Daily Echo revealed that if it fails to rain in the next few weeks Hampshire and the Isle of Wight could be headed for a drought.

Southern Water is now doing all it can to avert the looming crisis.

The drilling rig on the Isle of Wight will reach depths of up to 130 metres to get an accurate indication of what the ground conditions are like.

The company is planning to replace the 4km water mains, which run under the sea from Lepe in the New Forest to Gurnard on the Isle of Wight, with new pipes.

This is to ensure water keeps flowing to the Island over the next 25 years.

Mike Yung-Hok, Southern Water's project manager, said: "Gaining accurate data on ground conditions in the area is vital to ensure that we identify the best way of carrying out the scheme without causing unnecessary disruption to the surrounding area."

He said water supply in the area would increase by 18 per cent in the next 25 years.

"By installing new water mains we will be able to transfer enough water each day from our reservoir at Testwood near Southampton, to supplement the Island's own local sources," he said.

Southern Water hopes to begin construction next year.