Providing you with better water quality
We’re investing to reduce the use of storm overflows in Dawlish, helping to improve water quality in local rivers and the sea.
Storm overflows work like a safety valve on the wastewater system. They are typically used when heavy rain overwhelms the system. We’re committed to reducing reliance on storm overflows, helping to improve water quality in rivers and the sea, especially in bathing waters.
Finding solutions for each area
To address storm overflow use across the region, we need to find tailor-made solutions for each area. In Dawlish these solutions included installing storm storage tanks, surface water separation works taking place throughout the town, and upgrading or repairing sewers.
The Dawlish system is now complete, and the regulatory date has been met across all sites. We are currently completing our reinstatement across The Lawn, Sandy Lane and Viaduct areas
We have now installed two new storm storage tanks. One under The Lawns tank which can hold up to 2.2 million litres of storm flow, and one in Sandy Lane which will hold up 2.3 million litres. This means we can now store 4.6 million litres more wastewater before treatment.
Video update - April 2026
Works taking place April to May 2026
Completed work
Testimonials
I would like to thank all the positive work being carried out by Southwest water staff and employed contractors. All have communicated closely with both the community and town council on the vast project that is being undertaken. We have benefited from having Lynda Sudlow available in person twice a week, who has not only been able to keep us all updated, she has introduced us to Carl and most of all the contractors on site. In relation to the contractors, they have been more than accommodating to us, moving and securing the flagpole and ensuring all areas are clean and serviceable for our events. Some speak Welsh which for me is an extra bonus.
Councilor Anthony James
Mayor of Dawlish
The way they are working is of benefit to Dawlish and SWW are doing all they can to work with the shops in the strand to make sure the shops can continue to trade.
SWW have also made allowances when Dawlish council have had events on the lawn which meant the work had to stop for a short while.
In all aspects of the work the contractor has worked to make sure all people living in Dawlish have the least disruption.
Councilor Lynda Littlewood
Deputy Mayor
A new storage tank under the Lawns
Climate change is bringing periods of heavier rainfall. Storm tanks are used to hold this water until it can be treated, but the intensity of rainfall can mean they sometimes reach capacity.
New storm tanks have now been built under the Lawn and Sandy Lane. It will store wastewater during times of heavy flow, helping to reduce the risk of the system becoming overwhelmed.
To find out more please visit our Storm Overflow page.