South West Water has completed a series of upgrades at Hele Bay Pumping Station in Devon, reducing storm overflow spills and improving bathing water quality.
Despite more intense rainfall, spills at this site have already reduced by around 60%.
The work, completed in February this year, included upgrading the pumping station’s power supply and increasing pump capacity, as well as reducing groundwater entering the network by relining 713 metres of sewer and relining 29 manholes.
Relining sewers reduces the amount of groundwater entering the local network during wet weather which can otherwise overwhelm the treatment works and lead to a storm overflow spill. An initial inspection of the sewers is carried out by CCTV surveys to identify areas that are impacted by groundwater.
These upgrades mean the network is now performing more efficiently during heavy rainfall, reducing the likelihood of storm overflows and supporting better water quality for the local community and the environment.
Hazel Tranchant, Head of Tactical Asset Management for Wastewater at South West Water, said: “The upgrades at Hele Bay are already delivering real results. By increasing pumping capacity and reducing groundwater infiltration, the system is stronger and more resilient during heavy rainfall, which has led to a significant reduction in spills. “Fewer spills means cleaner water for beach visitors, a healthier environment, and a more reliable wastewater network for the local community. It’s encouraging to see the benefits of our work so quickly and clearly.”
South West Water is investing around £760 million over the next five years to continue reducing storm overflow spills and strengthen the wastewater network, supporting the Government’s target of fewer than ten spills per overflow per year by 2040.