Key partnership facts
Key partnership facts
Overview
Southern Water is the private utility company responsible for public wastewater collection and treatment in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, West Sussex, East Sussex, and Kent, and for the public water supply and distribution in approximately half of this area.
In August 2021, Australian financial services company Macquarie Group acquired a majority stake in Southern Water. The company supplies an area totalling 4,450 sq. km and serves 2.26 million customers.
Southern Water supplies drinking water to roughly 1.1 million properties through its 91 water treatment works and 13,870 kilometres of water mains. Wastewater is treated via the company’s network of 365 wastewater treatment works and 39,594 kilometres of sewers.
Our work
Since 2021, Equans has been delivering integrated facilities management (FM) services across Southern Water’s extensive estate, covering more than 4,000 sites. This includes offices, treatment works, pumping stations, and reservoirs.
Equans’ services at Southern Water cover a comprehensive FM portfolio, including:
- Hard FM
- Mechanical & Electrical services
- Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
- Reactive works and project delivery
- Fire and security systems
- Cleaning and grounds maintenance
- Energy services
Over the past four years, this partnership has driven measurable improvements in operational efficiency, safety, and customer service.
Relationship development
In 2025, Equans secured a three-year contract extension and early renewal with Southern Water, extending the partnership through to 2029. This renewal reflects the strength of the collaboration and a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and service excellence.
Under the extended agreement, Equans will continue providing integrated FM, while also injecting new digital innovations which will include:
- AI-powered helpdesk support and live performance dashboards
- Enhanced digital monitoring tools for operational optimisation
- Dedicated roles to drive continuous improvement, energy management, and social value initiatives
A joint strategic steering board will oversee the delivery of 48 key commitments across 15 areas, including safety, technology integration, and cost management. Equans’ “one team” approach, combined with investment in digital innovation and local communities, will deliver long-term benefits for Southern Water’s customers, employees, and the environment.
Testimonials
"Our partnership with Equans has gone from strength to strength, and we are pleased to extend our agreement for another three years. Equans’ experience, FM capability, and commitment to service quality make them an invaluable partner as we work towards delivering a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable water service."
Matt Gee, Head of Commercial Operational Services, Southern Water
Our expertise
Equans supports businesses, communities and the public sector by mobilising its expertise to provide low-carbon energy solutions, offer cutting-edge technical and FM services and transformative regeneration across the UK & Ireland.
