South West Water, Glanville Environmental and Network Plus’s industry-leading work to cut storm overflows has been recognised on a national stage, after the companies were shortlisted for the Collaborative Excellence Award at the Utility Week Awards in London this week.
The nomination highlighted the scale and ambition of South West Water’s £16 million ‘Infiltration Reduction Programme’, the largest sewer rehabilitation initiative in the company’s history. It was delivered in collaboration with Glanville Environmental and Network Plus.
Although the programme narrowly missed out on the top spot, the recognition reflects the significant impact of teamwork that is already delivering measurable environmental improvements across the South West.
Launched in 2023, the programme targeted 175 high-risk storm overflows across the wastewater network, aiming to reduce sewer infiltration and cut spills during what became the wettest year on record. Using advanced CCTV, Artificial Intelligence and trenchless repair techniques, teams:
- Lined more than 50km of sewers
- Completed 2,000 manhole repairs
- Carried out 240,000 metres of CCTV survey reviews
- Worked across 175 individual projects in coastal, rural and urban catchments
This work is estimated to have prevented more than 4,800 storm spills in 2024 alone, removing three-quarters of the company’s worst-performing overflows from the previous year’s list.
The programme was recognised for its collaborative approach. Shared data systems, real-time information and high safety and quality standards ensured that teams could work autonomously and adapt quickly to shifting ground conditions and weather patterns.
A key strength of the programme was its minimal impact on the environment and communities. ‘Trenchless methods’ allowed work to continue with fewer road closures, reduced noise and faster completion times for local communities. Targeted surveying and phased repairs reduced the need for excavation, protecting the environment and providing a better service for customers.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, from emissions savings through AI-guided inspections to extended asset life achieved through manhole rehabilitation and long-life lining systems. With responsibility for 157 bathing waters and over 1,300km of coastline, South West Water designed the programme to deliver immediate benefits while supporting long-term environmental resilience.
Hazel Tranchant , Head of Tactical Asset Management at South West Water said: "Being recognised among the best in the industry reflects the scale of what this programme delivered, the strength of collaboration behind it, and the rapid environmental improvements already being felt across our region. While we didn’t take home the award, the achievement lies in what this partnership has already delivered for our rivers, seas and communities.”
South West Water plans to build on this foundation as part of its wider investment in wastewater resilience across the South West.
Notes to editors
Picture details (starting from far left and going clockwise):
Joe Morgan-Bell - Quantity Surveyor, Network Plus
James Goodman - Operations Director, Glanville
Melanie Chiswell Brooks - Lead Journalist, Pennon
Andrew Carmichael - Project Manager, South West Water
Dave Middleton - Head of Delivery CCTV & Cleansing, Glanville
James West - Head of Operations, Glanville
Geoff Willcocks - Head of Engineering, Glanville
Hazel Tranchant - Head of Tactical Asset Management, South West Water
Charlie Ford - Project Manager, South West Water
Emily Matthews - Quantity Surveyor, Network Plus