Are Storm Overflows in the South West Finally Being Fixed? £700m Investment Targets Major Reductions

South West Water is ramping up efforts to reduce storm overflows across the region with a record-breaking investment of more than £700 million over the next five years. The company’s Turning the Tide programme is aiming to significantly cut spills and improve water quality across the South West.

£3.2 Billion Push to Reduce Pollution

As part of a wider £3.2 billion investment plan, South West Water says it is prioritising what matters most to customers and communities. The company is aiming to be the first water provider to meet the Government’s target of fewer than 10 storm overflow spills per year—achieving this milestone 10 years ahead of schedule.

A major commitment has also been made to tackle storm overflows at all bathing beaches and shellfish waters, with a target to eliminate them completely by 2030.

Engineering Experts Brought in to Speed Up Progress

The Turning the Tide programme is being delivered by South West Water’s new engineering alliance, Amplify. This partnership brings together some of the country’s leading experts to tackle storm overflows and maintain the South West’s excellent bathing waters.

Susan Davy, South West Water CEO, said:
“Everyone who works at South West Water, or with us, lives in the regions we support, and they want to make a difference. Whilst reducing the use of storm overflows will take time, we are investing more than ever to deliver real change today.”

Major Improvement in Duloe

One of the biggest problem areas—Duloe, near Liskeard—has already seen a dramatic improvement. South West Water invested in the region’s highest spilling storm overflow in 2023, making upgrades to the local wastewater treatment works and increasing treatment capacity at the site.

As a result, spills over the past 10 months have dropped by 93% compared to the previous year.

With this level of investment and early signs of improvement, South West Water is under pressure to deliver results across the region.