One year after launching a long-term investment programme, South West Water says early improvements are now being seen across the region.
The company began its five-year, £3.2bn plan last year, focusing on cleaner water, reducing sewage spills, improving resilience and offering greater support to households, with work now progressing across Devon, Cornwall and areas supplied by the company.
Efforts to cut sewage spills have included new underground stormwater tanks in Dawlish, Sidmouth and Falmouth, designed to store excess flows during heavy rainfall and reduce pressure on sewer networks, alongside wider upgrades that have contributed to fewer spills near bathing waters.
Leak reduction has also been a priority, with more than 21,000 leaks repaired in 2025, many identified using new detection technology, while upgrades at water treatment works such as Purton and Woodgreen aim to strengthen supplies during drier periods.
Support for customers has expanded through a £200m assistance package, alongside wider community investment and environmental schemes, including tree planting and partnership work with farmers to reduce pollution entering rivers.
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