Story perspectives

Southern Water Halts Sewage Flow After E. Coli Spike

10/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Southern Water is stopping raw sewage entering a river in Lymington, Hampshire after illegal drainage connections from about 20 properties were found.
Residents reported a terrible smell and E. coli levels 80 times above safe limits.
Southern Water has not replicated these E. coli results in testing, but says misconnections can cause intermittent readings.
The company is using tankers to remove wastewater and is collaborating with local authorities to investigate further water quality issues.

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Story summary

Southern Water is stopping raw sewage entering a river in Lymington, Hampshire after illegal drainage connections from about 20 properties were found.
Residents reported a terrible smell and E. coli levels 80 times above safe limits.
Southern Water has not replicated these E. coli results in testing, but says misconnections can cause intermittent readings.
The company is using tankers to remove wastewater and is collaborating with local authorities to investigate further water quality issues.