Scroll down for video...
The utility firm is working to fix a major problem with the town's main sewer.
The pipe takes waste from 27,000 homes in Ryde, Nettlestone and Binstead, pumping 900 litres - almost a tonne - of water every second, to the Sandown treatment works.
A huge 'over pump' is in place, running along the pavement, from Appley to Ryde Canoe Lake, bypassing the problem sewage pipe, which caused a sinkhole to open up in January.
Keith Herbert, area manager for Southern Water at the Ryde over pump.
Keith Herbert, Isle of Wight area manager for Southern Water, told the County Press: "I would like to apologise for everyone affected by this.