South West Water has announced a commitment of £32 million to accelerate efforts in reducing the use of storm overflows. This commitment aligns with the Government's broader initiative, announced yesterday, which will see over £180 million invested by various water companies across England to address storm overflow discharges.
The accelerated commitments include:
- Better monitoring: South West Water will increase monitoring of sewer levels.
- A Fresher Sewer Network: In 2024, South West Water will double efforts to clean the sewer network, following successful doubling in 2023, for a cleaner and healthier environment.
- More Timely Repairs, Every Month: More frequent repairs with an increase in monthly efforts to maintain and improve the sewer system.
- Tackling Blockages Faster: Doubling the installation of power relays at pumping stations, making sure to address and prevent blockages promptly.
- Investing £25 Million in Cleaner Water: £25 million will be invested to divert groundwater at 30 key wastewater treatment works, ensuring water is as clean as can be.
- Keeping the Power On: Doubling the servicing of generators at Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW) to make sure everything keeps running smoothly.
- Thorough Inspections for Peace of Mind: Enhanced inspections at all WwTW to ensure better performance.
- Expanding Storage for Stormy Days: Adding significant capacity to the network to handle stormwater efficiently, making sure homes and businesses are protected even during heavy rainfall.
South West Water plan to reduce spills at every storm overflow to less than 10 per year by 2040, a decade ahead of the Government’s new 2050 target.
Welcoming the news was St Austell and Newquay’s Member of Parliament Steve Double, who said:
“I know how important the issue of sewage discharges is to many in Mid-Cornwall. It is only due to the actions of this government in introducing accurate monitoring of all sewage outflows via the Environment Act, that we now know the scale of the issue and can have a plan to hold water companies to account.”
“I am pleased to see South West Water stepping up and following the Government’s lead on yesterday’s announcement, confirming they are investing £32million in additional funds needed to accelerate the programme of upgrades to the system and inspection regime. I look forward to seeing this delivered and a significant reduction in the number of discharges in the coming months.”
“This is proof that the Environment Act is working in getting the water companies to clean up their acts, and I will continue to work with both South West Water and the Government to ensure that the improvements that are already taking place continue into the future.”
Over the past 18 months, South West Water has implemented the WaterFit programme, focusing on healthy rivers and seas. The company was one of the first to have 100% monitoring of all 1,342 overflows and the completion of a £100 million storm overflow programme. The company has also invested in additional capacity, groundwater diversion, and wastewater flow schemes.