Totton: Hiring tankers cost Southern Water '£1k per vehicle per day'

Totton councillor David Harrison has been told the company was charged £1,000 a day for each of the vehicles that were drafted in after a sewer burst at Ashurst Bridge.

Southern Water is understood to have used up to 40 tankers a day for at least five days - potentially resulting in a bill of £200,000.

Posting on social media, Cllr Harrison said: "I have been particularly concerned about the non-performance of Southern Water in recent years.

Tankers were used to transport sewage from Ashurst to Totton after a sewer burst (Image: Newsquest)

"Most recently we have seen yet another equipment failure at Ashurst Bridge. The consequence is they end up hiring between 30 and 40 tankers a day, costing up to £1,000 each, to remove wastewater.

"I know the figure of £1,000 because a tanker driver told me."

READ MORE: Southern Water tankers at scene of burst sewer near Totton

As reported in the Daily Echo, dozens of tankers descended on Ashurst Bridge Road at the end of last month. They removed wastewater from the site and discharged it into a main sewer at Totton.

Ashurst resident George Long complained about the noise made by the tankers and was told to block it out using "white noise" devices.

Tankers were used to transport wastewater from Ashurst to Totton after a sewer burst (Image: Newsquest.)

Southern Water is refusing to divulge the cost of hiring the tankers, claiming the information is "commercially sensitive".

But the company said in a statement: "Supporting our customers when they need us is crucial.

"Using tankers when issues arise protects our customers from flooding and minimises the environmental impact of pollution events.   

“Tankers also play an important role in our wider work of relining sewers to ensure ground and surface water is kept out. 

"There are increasing pressures on our sewer network as a result of our changing climate, from increasing groundwater levels to increased frequency and intensity of storms.

"Following the wettest year in the last ten years, and significant storms generating record levels of work, our teams are working hard and innovating to protect customers and the environment whilst minimising the cost of tankering."

READ MORE: Southern Water tells customers to use 'white noise' devices to mask sound of tankers

The statement made no mention of how the cost of hiring the tankers would be met.

According to water regulator Ofwat, the water and wastewater bills paid by customers with a meter are governed by how much water they use.

Those without a meter pay a standing charge, plus a charge based on the rateable value of their home.