Southern Water

Southern Water is a water company providing water and wastewater services to customers in the south of England. The company is currently facing scrutiny due to several recent issues. Firstly, water bills across England and Wales are set to rise significantly, with Southern Water customers contributing to the average £33 increase per household, intended to fund infrastructure improvements. Secondly, thousands of households in Hastings are at risk of water shortages over Christmas due to a burst mains pipe, prompting emergency bottled water deliveries. Finally, Southern Water is under fire following a major spill of 'biobeads' – small plastic beads used in sewage treatment – at a sewage works near Camber Sands, leading to calls for a nationwide ban on their use due to environmental concerns. These events highlight ongoing challenges related to infrastructure maintenance, service reliability, and environmental responsibility within the company.