My watercress beds were ruined by the Southern Water sewage leak – now I face financial ruin

Southern Water has apologised to a farmer after a sewage leak devastated his watercress beds.

Calvin Hooper is financially ruined after a burst pipe flooded his fields and contaminated more than half of his farm in November last year.

The 27-year-old is on the verge of losing his livelihood after being unable to sell his produce from Annavale Watercress in Andover, Hants, for the past nine months.

“That was my baby,” he said.

“I am the first new entrant into the industry in a long time, as watercress is mainly grown by large companies and not by private individuals.”

The 27-year-old is on the verge of losing his livelihood after being unable to sell his produce from Annavale Watercress in Andover, Hants, for the past nine months.

“I grew watercress for a previous company and then took on a lease to do things a little differently and become a traditional grower – but now it's all over.”

The site, which could produce three tonnes of watercress per week, was brought to a halt after a nearby main sewer pipe burst, rendering it unusable due to unacceptable levels of E. coli and Listeria.

He added: “Half a mile from the farm the main sewer burst and the water ran down the hill into the watercress beds.”

“They are connected to the river and dam up 55 percent of the area.”

Due to pollution from untreated wastewater, environmental protection authorities were unable to grant the farm certification, effectively leading to the closure of its operations.

Mr Hooper claimed that Southern Water had still not taken full responsibility despite knowing about the spill on the day of the accident and that he could now face the loss of his home in Andover due to mounting bills.

The site, which can produce three tonnes of watercress per week, was brought to a halt after a nearby main sewer pipe burst, rendering it unusable due to unacceptable levels of E. coli and Listeria.

Mr Hooper said he had taken legal action, but acknowledged that financial constraints made it difficult for him to pursue a lengthy legal battle

“Southern Water shows no remorse or intention to clean up the oil spill in the watercress beds,” he continued.

“I am desperate and devastated because I have worked so hard all my life to get a leasehold farm and these things don't come about very often.”

“It's such a niche product and I basically lost everything overnight.”

“I could lose my house because of this, it’s that scary.”

Mr Hooper said he would have taken legal action but acknowledged that financial constraints made it difficult for him to pursue a lengthy legal battle.

“I just can’t afford it as a new company since I’ve lost all my business,” he said.

“You know I don’t have the money to fight it legally.”

He added that the oil spill had not only affected his finances but also his mental health.

“I have written several letters to Southern Water explaining the psychological and financial impact this is having on me, but they are not interested,” he said.

“It is absolutely ridiculous that nine months have passed and nothing has been done.”

Mr Hooper claimed Southern Water had still not taken full responsibility, despite knowing about the spill on the day of the accident and now facing the potential loss of his Andover home due to rising bills.

Water utilities across the country are facing increasing criticism for their handling of wastewater and the pollution of rivers and seas.

Despite everything, Mr Hooper remains hopeful thanks to the support he receives from the local community and his colleagues.

He said: “People love watercress and have been really supportive.”

“I just hope Southern Water takes responsibility before it's too late.”

Water utilities across the country are facing increasing criticism for their handling of wastewater and the pollution of rivers and seas.

A Southern Water spokesman said: “We deeply regret the impact on this business caused by the rupture of a nearby sewer pipe in November 2023.”

“Our team responded quickly to locate and resolve the issue while working to minimize the impact on the local environment.”

“We are in regular contact with the landowner, offering compensation and working with the Environment Agency to clean up the area and help restore the watercress beds.”

“In order to improve the resilience of the sewage network in this area since the pipe burst, we have installed new pressure switches and pump technology and relined the defective pipe section.”