South West Water and Mayor of Dawlish celebrate next stage of town’s major investment

South West Water and the Mayor of Dawlish have celebrated work starting on the next stage of the major investment programme in Dawlish to improve water quality by reducing the use of storm overflows in the area.

South West Water is carrying out work to future-proof Dawlish’s wastewater network so it can perform effectively as the town’s population continues to grow, and to help improve the local bathing waters. 

Several solutions are being delivered for Dawlish, including new storm tanks, separating sewage from surface rainwater, and fixing issues where groundwater is seeping into existing pipework – putting added strain on the network. These are all designed to reduce storm overflow. 

So far preparation work has been completed for the new storm works which will be built at The Lawn and Sandy Lane, which includes pipe diversions to allow space for the new tanks. 

South West Water is now working on the tanks, which will each have 2.2 million litres of storage, while continuing its surface water separation works at West Cliff and Elm Grove. 

It will then focus on installing a new pump chamber and controls for the storm tanks, along with starting to drill for the new sewer that will connect to the tank at The Lawn, along with other supporting works across the town. 

Graham Murphy, South West Water’s Chief Engineering Officer, said:

“This project is the first of many to come as part of our record £760 million Turning the Tide programme to reduce the use of storm overflows across our region over the next five years, and is an essential investment for Dawlish. 

“We are really pleased to be on track and starting work on the new storage tanks, which will each hold millions of litres of flows during wet weather to prevent storm overflow spills and protect bathing water quality in the area. 

“I’d like to thank the Mayor, councillors, local businesses and residents for their patience and understanding as we deliver this improvements. Our teams have worked hard to keep everyone updated on our work, and we will continue to do so.” 

Councillor Anthony James, Mayor of Dawlish, said: 

"Changes to our environment caused by adverse weather conditions, the disposal of sanitary items, non-biodegradable tissues and chemicals and the increased need to build new homes and buildings have caused an increased demand on the supply and treatment of our water services.

South West Water have come to Dawlish to build a proactive system in the aim of protecting our community and our environment for future generations. I am aware that some of the works being carried out will cause unavoidable issues. I have, however, found working alongside South West Water and its contractors extremely positive and we have a healthy understanding and honest proactive working relationship."

The reduction of sewage into water courses and bathing water during periods of heavy rainfall, is a priority for South West Water and a major focus of its £3.2.billion record investment to 2030. View more information and updates on South West Water’s work in Dawlish.