Help to reduce storm overflows in Dawlish

South West Water has shared further details on its plans to reduce storm overflows in Dawlish.

The project is expected to significantly impact the town centre and surrounding areas for over 18 months. The company, which will hold a drop-in session for residents on Wednesday, October 30, is preparing to install storage tanks up to 45 meters deep at The Lawn and Sandy Lane.

The announcement has sparked concern among residents and businesses, although the total investment in the project has yet to be revealed. Preliminary investigations will begin next month, with the main construction starting in January.

South West Water (SWW) is undertaking the work to reduce storm overflows, which should improve water quality in local rivers and the sea. The company explained that storm overflows act as a safety measure when heavy rainfall overwhelms the wastewater system.

“We are committed to reducing the reliance on storm overflows, which will help improve water quality, especially in bathing waters,” an SWW representative said.

To tackle the issue in Dawlish, SWW plans to install storage tanks and separate the sewage and rainwater systems. Rapid housing growth in the area has increased pressure on the wastewater network, leading to a greater risk of storm overflows. Most of the town relies on a combined sewer system, which means wastewater from homes is mixed with rainwater, causing overflow issues during heavy rainfall.

"If we can keep rainwater out of the main sewage system, the need for storm overflows will be significantly reduced," the spokesperson added.

The work, set to begin in January, will include installing a new storage tank to capture excess wastewater during peak flows, allowing it to be treated rather than released via storm overflows. The project is scheduled for completion by May 2026.

Once finished, SWW expects the investment to improve water quality in Dawlish’s rivers and coastal waters. The company estimates that by March 2026, the project will deliver an additional 5,675,000 litres of stormwater storage and remove 65,600 square meters of rainwater from the sewage system.

Ongoing investigations will determine the final construction methods and schedule for the tank installations. Preliminary roadwork notices have already been submitted to Devon County Council.