An £11 million environmental improvement scheme to safeguard drinking water supplies in Sussex has been completed by Worthing-based Southern Water.

Treatment processes have been improved at Hardham Water Supply Works at Pulborough to ensure drinking water supplies remain among the best in Europe. The works supplies 250,000 people across Sussex.

The scheme involved the decommissioning of the original Fifties treatment works and more modern treatment tanks were extended and covered.

Huge pumps, which send treated water through miles of underground pipes, have also been upgraded.

A state-of-the-art computer system has been installed to continually monitor the plant's operation, including when the site is unmanned.

Further monitoring takes place at the company's central control room in Worthing.