Isle of Wight flood means 30,000 homes could have no water

Bob Seely, the Island MP, has been discussing the situation with Southern Water, the Environment Agency and Island Roads.

• See the latest: Heavy rain and flooding LIVE updates for the Isle of Wight

Mr Seely has told the County Press that Southern Water confirmed to him that 30,000 homes in the South Wight area will have 'low or no water pressure' tomorrow morning.

Flooding at Wootton Bridge (Image: County Press)

The MP has made requests to Southern Water for bottled water stations in Brighstone, Niton and Wroxall. 

"They are looking at options and will update on water locations in the coming hours on their website and social media," said Mr Seely, "for those on the priority register, water will be delivered to you."

• Read more: Flooding across the Island PHOTOS and VIDEOS

Flooding on Ryde Esplanade (Image: Contributions)

Southern Water has explained that any rain 'event' over 25mm is said to be very serious. 

Around 65mm of rain has fallen on the Island in less than a day - the equivalent of two months worth.

Update from Southern Water

Southern Water said the extremely heavy rain has placed 'significant pressure' on its water and waste networks, making operations at wastewater pumping stations and water supply works much more difficult than usual.

The utility company expects around 11,000 properties in south Wight to experience low pressure or no water tomorrow morning.

This could extend to a further 20,000 properties by later in the day, it has warned.

A spokesperson said: "We are coordinating the delivery of bottled water to our most vulnerable customers on our Priority Services Register.

"We are working with our partners to coordinate suitable sites for bottled water stations.

"Tankers are on the island to support the recovery of the network."

Southern Water says it has received several reports of internal property flooding, caused by hydraulic overload of the sewer network.

Those that have been confirmed as flooding from the sewer network are being attended by 'specialist clean up teams'. 

UPDATE, Thursday 26: 

Southern Water has this morning (Thursday) provided an update to Islanders, saying there is now no immediate risk to loss of supply to customers. 

It says its teams have worked through the night to keep all customers in supply and are in a better position this morning but there still remains a risk of disruption while the network is fully recovered. 

It said: "Our incident teams continue to work on full recovery of the network. We are monitoring the situation and weather pattern so that we can prepare to respond should anything change. 

"As a precaution we are taking these actions to minimise potential impacts on customers:  

• We have delivered bottled water to customers on our Priority Services Register in the areas  
• We have identified bottled water station locations and infrastructure as a precaution 
• We are using tankers in the area to support the recovery"

A further update will be issued this afternoon.