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East Devon Water Mains Replacement Project

Improving the reliability and resilience of local water supplies

Our investment

We're investing in major upgrades to the water network across East Devon as part of the East Devon Mains Replacement Project.

Part of this project includes the replacement of approximately 50km of water mains across seven District Metered Areas, including Kentisbeare, Widworthy, Whimple and Boasley Cross. Much of the existing network was installed many decades ago and is becoming increasingly prone to leaks, bursts and ongoing maintenance issues. Alongside replacing ageing water mains, we'll also carry out targeted improvements to strengthen network resilience, including installing additional sections of water main where needed to enhance capacity, improve network flexibility and support future demand.

By replacing these older water mains with modern infrastructure, we're helping to improve reliability, reduce leakage and maintain a dependable supply of drinking water for local communities.

Uplyme sewage treatment works

Uplyme

We're replacing sections of water main in Uplyme to help maintain a reliable water supply and reduce the risk of future bursts.

Uplyme
Fields of farmland with a little white house in the distance

Chardstock

We're renewing ageing water mains in Chardstock to improve network resilience and support a dependable water supply for local homes and businesses.

Chardstock
River Coly

Colyton

We're upgrading water mains in Colyton to strengthen the local network and help keep water flowing reliably for years to come.

Colyton
A green landscape of fields in the Devon countryside

Kilmington

We're investing in new water mains in Kilmington to improve the reliability of the water network and support future service improvements.

Kilmington
Cottage located in farmland

Cotleigh and Stockland

We’re replacing the mains to improve the water quality and resilience of the supply.

Cotleigh investment
Water main being repaired
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What the work involves

We'll be installing new water mains across several locations throughout East Devon to replace ageing infrastructure and improve the performance of the local network.

To minimise disruption wherever possible, we'll use a combination of construction techniques, including trenchless methods such as directional drilling and pipe bursting, alongside traditional excavation where required. All affected areas will be reinstated following completion of the works.

Women enjoying a glass of water
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Benefits of the project

This investment will help reduce the number of leaks and bursts on the network, improving reliability for customers and reducing the need for reactive repairs.

By upgrading ageing infrastructure, we're creating a more resilient water network that can continue to support local communities, while also reducing water lost through leakage and helping to protect the environment.

South West Water workman on laptop
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Project timeline

This project is expected to start in October 2026 and finish in the summer 2027.

More accurate dates for each town will be shared via project pages once we have further details.

Hands using a mobile phone
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Contact us

If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact our Customer Liaison Officer, Kelly-Jade Browning on 07851 256622, or our Customer Services Helpline on 0344 346 2020 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. 

Please only call outside of these times in an emergency.

Completed projects

Woodbury Drinking Water project

Woodbury

We have completed essential upgrades to the water network in Woodbury as part of the East Devon Mains Replacement Project. Click the button below to find out more.

Woodbury
Exmoor pony grazing on Haddon Hill

Clayhanger and Hockworthy

We have completed a mains renewal project in Clayhanger and Hockworthy to ensure a more resilient supply for the future. Click the button below to find out more. 

Clayhanger and Hockworthy