South East Water has surpassed its ambitious targets for working with farmers and landowners to improve raw water quality through sustainable and holistic land management practices.

Over the past five years, the company has worked collaboratively with farmers and landowners to manage 15,097 hectares of land sustainably for water quality or quantity. This was achieved through its Capital Grants Scheme, which offers funding for capital items or land management practices that benefit the water environment. This figure exceeded both the company's own target of 15,017 hectares and the 14,217-hectare target set by Ofwat.

The joint efforts across the priority catchment areas have focused on practical, on-the-ground changes such as planting cover crops, using innovative technology to monitor soil health, or funding for capital items that reduce the runoff of soil, fertilisers and pesticides into local rivers and infiltration into groundwater.

The proactive measures are not only protecting vital water sources but support the long-term sustainability of farming in the region.

South East Water’s Head of Environment, Emma Goddard said:

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the power of partnerships.

“By working directly with the farming and landowner community, we’re improving water quality in a way that is mutually beneficial.

“Rather than relying solely on costly treatment processes at the water treatment works, we have prioritised treating water at the source which is significantly more cost effective for the company and consumer.”