Southern Water is developing a major new Ford Water Recycling Project to secure long‑term water supplies for West Sussex.

Key Deliverables

• Up to 15 million litres of additional water every day during drought conditions
• A sustainable local water resource for future generations
• More water in the environment during prolonged dry periods – where nature needs it most

The scheme will purify treated wastewater at Ford, return it to the River Western Rother near Hardham, and help protect the river environment while supporting drinking‑water resilience for communities including Pulborough. Public drop‑in events this October will give residents the chance to learn more and ask questions.

A New Era in Local Water Security

West Sussex is officially classed as water‑stressed by the Environment Agency, with lower rainfall, rising demand, and climate pressures creating long‑term challenges for water supply. Southern Water currently abstracts water from the River Rother to supply homes and businesses across the county — including Pulborough — but this abstraction must reduce to protect the river’s ecology.

The Ford Water Recycling Project is designed to meet this challenge head‑on. It forms part of a wider regional strategy to improve water efficiency, reduce leakage, and diversify water sources.

How the Project Works

Southern Water plans to build a new water recycling plant at Ford Wastewater Treatment Works. The process is straightforward but uses advanced, proven technology:

• Treated wastewater from Ford will undergo further purification using advanced treatment techniques such as reverse osmosis.
• The fully treated recycled water will be returned to the River Western Rother near Hardham, downstream of the drinking‑water abstraction point.
• This recycled water will replace the volume abstracted for drinking water, helping maintain river levels and protect wildlife.
• Water will continue to be treated at the Hardham Water Supply Works before entering the drinking‑water network.

To make this possible, Southern Water will construct a new pipeline, largely running through the South Downs National Park, connecting Ford to Hardham. Planning authorities are currently coordinating how this cross‑boundary application will be managed.

Why This Matters for Pulborough

1. Protecting the River Rother

The Rother is central to Pulborough’s landscape and ecology. By reducing direct abstraction and replacing water with purified recycled flows, the project aims to support healthier river levels and protect sensitive habitats.

2. Securing Long‑Term Water Supply

Pulborough relies on the Hardham Water Supply Works. As climate change increases pressure on water resources, the recycling project provides a more resilient and sustainable supply route.

3. Supporting Growth and Future Planning

With West Sussex’s population expected to grow, the project helps ensure future homes and businesses — including those in Pulborough — have reliable access to drinking water.

4. Environmental Responsibility

The scheme aligns with national and regional commitments to reduce environmental impact, improve water efficiency, and support circular‑economy approaches to resource use.

Community Engagement: October Drop‑In Events

Residents are invited to learn more, ask questions, and share views at two public drop‑in sessions:

• Pulborough Village Hall, Swan View, Pulborough, RH20 2BF

           Saturday 17 October 10:00am – 4:00pm

• Yapton & Ford Village Hall, Main Road, Yapton, Arundel, BN18 0ET

           Wednesday 21 October 2:00pm – 8:00pm

Southern Water will have project specialists on hand to explain the treatment process, pipeline route considerations, environmental safeguards, and the timeline for planning and construction.

Can’t attend in person, join the online webinar on Tuesday 4 November, 6pm – 7pm. Register here 

Project Timeline (Indicative)

Southern Water’s published timeline shows:

• 2026–27: Ground surveys and route development for the pipeline.
• 2027: Public consultation on the final design.
• 2028: Planned submission of the main planning applications.
• 2031: Earliest expected start of construction, subject to approvals.

Further Information & Useful Links

Email: FordWater.RecyclingProject@southernwater.co.uk

Call: Southern Water on 0330 3030 368 9am – 5pm Mon-Fri and quote PRN 710031

Southern Water – Ford Water Recycling Project (official project overview, environmental context, and timeline)