NEW technology to detect underground water leaks is coming to the Island, and more than £31 million will be spent here by Southern Water, to improve the water supply system.

The utility company has outlined its future investment plans in response to the County Press article last week, which exposed a damning report into the infrastructure underneath the Island's roads.

A spokesperson said: "Southern Water invests heavily to replace and maintain its assets including the water network on the Isle of Wight, where we supply up to 42 million litres of water a day.

"Our rolling programme of mains replacements targets areas most in need such as the recent £400,000 Staplers Road, Newport, replacement scheme, replacement of the Cowes to Newport water main and works to replace mains in the Ashey Road area of Ryde.

"To continually improve our service to customers, between 2020 and 2025 we are spending £31,400,000 on the water supply system on the Island including an £11 million refurbishment of the Sandown supply works and £7.7 million on networks around Cowes, Newport and Brading.

"Pipes can burst for a variety of reasons — increasingly heavy traffic and of course the use of heavy machinery as roads are upgraded can both play a part.

"We act quickly when a burst does occur to restore service to customers as soon as possible and ensure the road is reinstated after repairs are complete.

"We have just commenced the rollout of a new technological approach to preventing bursts with the installation of ‘internet of things’ acoustic loggers across the network, and the Island will benefit from this £135 million programme.

"These devices detect the tell-tale hiss of a leak so we can act before the pipe fails completely, ensuring uninterrupted service for customers and cutting the amount of water wasted via leaks.

"We recognise that the highway improvements can be disruptive to our water mains, which is why it is so important that we work together to minimise inconvenience to people.

"We assess all claims on the evidence provided and respond appropriately."

A report prepared by Island Roads for the council, on Southern Water's infrastructure and performance, states the fragility of the infrastructure has been a matter of concern for many years.

Cllr Richard Quigley, after seeing the report, sent a letter for publication, to the County Press, with his concerns.

He said: "The IW Council’s scrutiny committee, of which I am a member, is looking at this issue — the MP also. I, like him, view Southern Water’s announcement of investment to come with caution."

Island MP Bob Seely recently said he 'cautiously' welcomed Southern Water’s plans to invest millions in water and wastewater services on the Island.