A £170 million scheme is underway to reduce storm overflows by surveying sewers in Gosport and Fareham.
The project, part of Southern Water's £1.5 billion Clean Rivers and Seas Plan, aims to improve water quality and protect the environment.
The Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force is surveying sewers to identify areas for improvement.
They say they are implementing various strategies to prevent surface and groundwater from entering pipes, reducing the need for environmental releases during heavy storms.
Project manager Keith Herbert said: "This is a big moment for our task force as we embark on one of our biggest storm overflow reduction projects anywhere in the UK, to cut storm overflows into Portsmouth Harbour, and work with our partners to overhaul how our sewer network is viewed and how it works in this area.
“If water companies only had to treat wastewater, there would not be the need for storm overflows at all.
"Our strategy is to stop this extra water from getting into our pipes, or use nature-based solutions to slow down the flow so that we can keep our sewers moving and protect our precious coastline."
The project, which also involves Portsmouth, includes sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), such as rain gardens, swales, and permeable surfaces, to slow rainwater flow into sewers.
Hundreds of slow-draining and smart water butts are being installed on homes, businesses, and public buildings.
Downpipes incorrectly connected to sewers are being disconnected to tackle the impact of surface water run-off from roofs.
Pumping stations and treatment works are being upgraded to better handle high volumes of flow.
The task force says it is collaborating with partner organisations, groups, businesses, and schools to find solutions, including 'greening' roads.
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This major scheme follows other projects launched across Hampshire, Kent, Sussex, and the Isle of Wight.
However, the Portsmouth Harbour initiative is on a much larger scale.
The work forms part of Southern Water's commitment to tackle storm overflows and play a role in protecting and enhancing the environment.
The ongoing efforts aim to boost water quality in Portsmouth Harbour, making it a cleaner and healthier environment for all.
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