WATER bosses have launched a survey to ensure vital maintenance works to underground pipes do not damage a pair of environmentally sensitive Hampshire and Isle of Wight beauty spots.

The 4km water main running between Lepe Beach and Gurnard urgently needs to be renovated to quench the Island's thirst.

Southern Water are keen to keep impact to the two Sites of Special Scientific Interest to a minimum.

The company will investigate the the coastal area on both sides of the sea, the seabed and locations nearby. This will include surveying wildlife in the area, including birds nesting there over the winter.

Mike Yung-Hok, Southern Water's project manager, said: "It is predicted that over the next 25 years, demand for water on the Isle of Wight will increase by up to 18 per cent. The Island's water supply is provided primarily by underground sources, which are, by and large, being used to their capacity.

"By installing new water mains we will be able to transfer enough water each day from our reservoir at Testwood in Totton, to supplement the Island's own local sources and continue to meet future water demands."

"It is of great importance that we identify the best way of carrying out this scheme without causing unnecessary disruption to the surrounding areas.

"Detailed design work will be carried out and a planning application submitted in autumn 2005. We hope to begin construction in 2006. The new pipes could be operational by spring 2007."