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<p>On 2 November, the effects of Storm Ciaran were seen at Testwood Water Treatment
Works in Hampshire. The heavy rainfall and consequent flooding impacted water quality,
which meant that it was not possible for the Treatment Works to effectively treat
the volume of water needed to maintain supplies. This included to properties in the
Waterside area of the New Forest. Southern Water attempted to minimise the impact
but as soon as it become apparent that supply would be affected, notifications were
provided to customers, through their website and social media.</p><p>Once flooding
reduced, Southern Water increased supplies slowly to safeguard safety and drinking
water quality standards. Customers had water supply restored gradually over the course
of Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November. Arrangements were put in place to support those
customers off supply, including the opening of three bottled water stations, and regular
deliveries to vulnerable customers.</p><p>Throughout the water supply outage, my officials
engaged closely with Southern Water to ensure steps were taken to resolve the incident
as soon as possible. I was regularly briefed on the emerging situation and ensured
that Southern Water was supporting customers in the impacted area, particularly those
who are vulnerable.</p><p>And on 8 November, I met with Lawrence Gosden, CEO Southern
Water, to consider what lessons could be learned from this water supply incident and
the actions Southern Water are taking avoid future interruptions at Testwood Water
Treatment Works. The company is also providing a detailed report to the Drinking Water
Inspectorate, who will carry out a full assessment on the event.</p><p>Ensuring a
plentiful supply of water is a government priority with our Plan for Water, published
in April 2023, setting out how we will enhance water supply infrastructure and improve
resilience to drought as well as managing water demand. Earlier this year, regional
water resources groups and water companies, including Southern Water, consulted on
their draft Water Resource Management Plans. Within their plans, water companies must
consider all options, including demand management and water resources infrastructure
for at least the next 25 years.</p><p>Water companies are also using the £469 million
made available by Ofwat in the current Price Review period (2020-2025) to investigate
strategic water resources options, that are required to improve the resilience of
England’s water supplies. Ofwat also recently announced that water companies are bringing
forward £2.2 billion for new water infrastructure delivery, over the next two years,
with £350 million worth of investment in water resilience schemes.</p><p>Where a company
does not meet their performance expectations, Ofwat, the independent water regulator,
will take decisive regulatory action. For example, due to underperformance in 2022-23
across several areas, including on supply interruptions and customer satisfaction,
draft decisions by Ofwat will mean Southern will return over £42 million to its customers
in the 2024-25 financial year.</p><p>Government and regulators will continue to closely
monitor Southern Water’s Performance and will not hesitate to hold them to account
if they fall short.</p>
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