A TEAM of divers took a 25-metre plunge to help Southern Water to keep its customers happy.

Otterbourne is one of the most important water supply and treatment sites in Hampshire, taking resources from both underground and the River Itchen.

A recent survey of the underground system showed that a number of shafts were beginning to decay so the company made the decision to carry out the clearance and relining exercise.

Divers from the Water Services Support Group used hand-held tools to clear debris that had accumulated in the hand-built Victorian shafts.

Southern Water engineer Dave Wood said: "This was a very complex exercise requiring great expertise and very strict health and safety considerations.

"Due to the extreme depths involved, in excess of 25 metres, it was only possible for the divers to work on the bottom of the shaft for a maximum of 40 minutes each day.

"The team have done a great job and their work will ensure the system will continue to yield the maximum amount of water, ready to supply our customers."