South West Water improves water quality at Combe Martin

South West Water has said that they are helping to improve water quality in Combe Martin and reduce the use of storm overflows.

The water company explained that teams have worked on a range of measures, such as sealing 19 manholes and lining 250 metres of sewer, to prevent groundwater from entering the sewers and adding unnecessary strain to the network.

This work has helped upgrade Combe Martin’s bathing water classification, as set by the Environment Agency, from 'poor' in 2019 to 'good' in 2022 and 2023.

Reducing the use of storm overflow spills remains a big priority in the area. The company has maximised the use of wastewater storage tanks, resulting in a 68 per cent reduction in spills since 2019.

South West Water has also undertaken environmental improvements after joint investigations with the Environment Agency found agriculture and dog waste were significantly affecting water quality in Combe Martin. 

Thousands of trees have been planted along the River Umber to reduce pollution from agricultural run-off, and local awareness has been raised about the negative impact of dog waste.

The company plans further steps to enhance water quality, including removing surface water from sewers to reduce overflow spills and completing a scheme to divert spills to an outfall pipe 500 metres out to sea.

Andy Potts, South West Water’s Area Operations Manager, said: “I’m proud to be part of the team making big improvements across our region. Our work in Combe Martin has already made a difference to water quality in the area but we know there is more to do.

“That’s why me and hundreds of colleagues are working hard to deliver improvements and reduce the use of storm overflows every day.”

Barbara Martin, from Combe Martin Water Watch, said: “We are really pleased to now consistently achieve good water quality at our beautiful beach in Combe Martin. Our group have worked tirelessly with South West Water, the EA and other stakeholders to achieve this.

“The community now have a good understanding of how to help, including twice-daily beach cleans by volunteers, and working together has been key to this. We look forward to further improvements and an excellent rating as soon as possible.”

Bruce Newport, Area Environment Manager, Environment Agency, added: “We are proud to have been part of a great group of people who, over the past decade, have worked tirelessly to raise water quality standards at Combe Martin.

“Every opportunity to make positive change has been taken: ranging from natural processes in land management, community engagement to investment opportunities.”

South West Water is rolling out similar solutions across the region as it aims to become the first water company to meet the government’s target of achieving fewer than 10 spills per overflow, per year – which they have said is a decade ahead of schedule.