South West Water, Glanville Environmental and Network Plus Shortlisted for Industry Award

South West Water, Glanville Environmental and Network Plus have been recognised on a national stage after being shortlisted for the Collaborative Excellence Award at this week’s Utility Week Awards in London. The nomination came in recognition of their joint work to cut storm overflows across the South West.

Although the group didn’t take the top prize, the shortlist highlights the scale of South West Water’s £16 million Infiltration Reduction Programme and the measurable environmental improvements already being delivered.

A Major Programme Targeting the Region’s Worst Overflows

Launched in 2023, the programme focused on 175 high-risk storm overflows during what became the wettest year on record. Working together, teams used advanced CCTV, Artificial Intelligence and trenchless repair techniques to reduce sewer infiltration and cut spills.

The work included:

• Lining more than 50km of sewers

• Completing 2,000 manhole repairs

• Carrying out 240,000 metres of CCTV survey reviews

• Delivering 175 individual projects across coastal, rural and urban catchments

The companies estimate this activity prevented more than 4,800 storm spills in 2024, removing three-quarters of South West Water’s worst performing overflows from the previous year’s list.

Collaboration at the Heart of the Programme

Shared data systems, real-time information and strong safety and quality standards allowed teams to work autonomously and respond quickly to changing ground conditions and weather.

A major strength was the reduced impact on communities. Trenchless methods meant fewer road closures, less noise and faster completion times. Targeted surveys and phased repairs also cut the need for excavation, helping protect the local environment.

Sustainability ran throughout the programme, from emissions savings through AI-guided inspections to extended asset life supported by manhole rehabilitation and long-life lining systems. With responsibility for 157 bathing waters and more than 1,300km of coastline, South West Water designed the programme to deliver both immediate improvements and long-term environmental resilience.

Recognition for the Team Effort

Hazel Tranchant, Head of Tactical Asset Management at South West Water, said:

“Being recognised among the best in the industry reflects the scale of what this programme delivered, the strength of collaboration behind it, and the rapid environmental improvements already being felt across our region. While we didn’t take home the award, the achievement lies in what this partnership has already delivered for our rivers, seas and communities.”

South West Water says it now plans to build on this foundation as part of wider investment in wastewater resilience across the region.

📷(starting from far left and going clockwise):

Joe Morgan-Bell - Quantity Surveyor, Network Plus

James Goodman - Operations Director, Glanville

Melanie Chiswell Brooks - Lead Journalist, Pennon

Andrew Carmichael - Project Manager, South West Water

Dave Middleton - Head of Delivery CCTV & Cleansing, Glanville

James West - Head of Operations, Glanville

Geoff Willcocks - Head of Engineering, Glanville

Hazel Tranchant - Head of Tactical Asset Management, South West Water

Charlie Ford - Project Manager, South West Water

Emily Matthews - Quantity Surveyor, Network Plus