South West Water completes major improvements on Dartmoor to reduce storm overflows

South West Water has completed significant upgrades at Horrabridge Wastewater Treatment Works in West Devon, as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the use of storm overflows across the region.

Horrabridge Wastewater Treatment Works was among the highest spilling storm overflow sites in the South West in 2023. However, targeted investment and infrastructure improvements by South West Water have already resulted in a substantial reduction in overflow incidents.

During the project, South West Water’s expert teams conducted extensive investigations, surveying more than 1.5 kilometres of pipework. Their analysis revealed that excess surface and groundwater was infiltrating the local sewer system, exacerbating pressure on the treatment works during periods of heavy rainfall.

To address these issues, South West Water installed a protective lining along 880 metres of sewer and carried out necessary repairs across the local network, including upgrades to approximately 30 manholes. Additionally, improvements at the treatment works included pump upgrades and the addition of a second storage tank to bolster capacity during wet weather.

These efforts have already yielded positive results. Since January 1, 2024, there has been only one storm overflow spill at the site, a dramatic reduction compared to the 32 spills recorded in the same period last year.

Jess Cox, South West Water’s Area Operations Manager, is proud of the work completed: “We’ve carried out a significant amount of work here in Horrabridge, and we’re already seeing positive results. As someone who lives locally, I’m really proud of the work we’ve done to help protect the environment long into the future.”

South West Water’s improvements at Horrabridge align with its broader commitment to becoming the first water company to meet the UK government’s ambitious target of reducing storm overflow spills to fewer than 10 per overflow per year, achieving this goal a decade ahead of schedule.