Sewer spill closes school, floods homes on Isle of Wight
A burst sewer pipe spewed untreated wastewater into East Cowes on Tuesday, forcing a primary school to shut for all but Year 6 pupils and flooding driveways. Southern Water says repairs are complete and roads reopened, but contaminated gardens remain a cleanup challenge.
A burst sewer pipe sent raw sewage cascading through East Cowes on Tuesday, closing Holy Cross Primary School to all but Year 6 pupils sitting exams and flooding driveways in Millfield Avenue.
Key Points
- ✅ Burst pipe closed Holy Cross Primary School on Tuesday
- ⚡ Flooding affected homes and garages in Millfield Avenue
- 💡 Road reopened by 6 a.m. Wednesday; clean-up ongoing
Southern Water confirmed the 12-inch wastewater main ruptured just after midnight Tuesday, unleashing untreated effluent that pooled on roads and seeped into properties. A nearby pumping station was shut off to curb further spills, while crews deployed sandbags and hay bales to stem the flow.
| Area | Impact | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Millfield Avenue | Road closed, homes and garages flooded | Reopened by 6 a.m. Wednesday |
| Holy Cross Primary | Closed to all but Year 6 pupils | Exam-only access |
| Old Road | Footpaths affected, pet contamination risk | Under review |
The company’s spokesperson said teams are now disinfecting affected properties, but warned residents to avoid contact with standing water and to check gardens for contamination.
Independent councillor Karl Love, who represents East Cowes, urged residents to keep pets off contaminated paths and to inspect gardens in Hefford Road for sewage traces. “This isn’t just a quick fix,” Love said. “Some gardens may need weeks to recover.”
💡 Pro Tip
Avoid touching soil or plants that came into contact with sewage; wear gloves and protective footwear during cleanup to prevent infection.
Southern Water has pledged to work with the Environment Agency and Isle of Wight Council to assess long-term environmental impact, while apologizing for the disruption. Year 6 pupils were the only students permitted to enter the school on Tuesday to sit SATs exams, with classes resuming fully on Wednesday.
- 📊 At least six properties reported driveway flooding
- 🔍 Environmental teams are testing soil and water near the spill site
- ⚠️ Residents advised to report any unseen contamination to Southern Water immediately
The spill comes amid heightened scrutiny of Southern Water’s infrastructure, with regulators pressing the company to address aging pipes across the region.
📋 By The Numbers
- 6 — Properties reporting flooded driveways or garages
- 24 — Hours between burst and road reopening
- 12 — Diameter of ruptured pipe in inches