Storm overflow spills halved in North Molton after South West Water upgrades

South West Water says it has halved the number of storm overflow spills in North Molton last year, following upgrades to the local wastewater treatment works.

The village parish in North Devon recorded 202 storm overflow spills in 2023. According to the company, that number dropped by more than 50 per cent in 2024.

The drop follows the installation of a new reinforced concrete storm water storage tank, which is running alongside existing storage to provide extra capacity during heavy rainfall.

South West Water said the tank allows the treatment works to store more flow during wet weather, easing pressure on the system and helping prevent storm overflows.

A spokesperson said once rainfall stops and flow levels reduce, the tank releases the stored water back into the system to be treated at the works.

Jay Harris, South West Water’s Director of Wastewater Operations, said: “It’s so rewarding to see the number of storm overflow spills at North Molton treatment works dropping so much despite last year being the wettest hydrological year on record.

“Our teams are as passionate about reducing storm overflows as our customers are and, through examples like this one, we are making real progress.”

The work at North Molton is part of a wider effort to improve water quality and reduce spills across the region.

In 2024, South West Water was one of only five companies in the industry to reduce spills compared to 2023.

The company says it will continue to invest in the area as part of its drive to become the first water company to meet the Government’s target of fewer than 10 spills a year per overflow by 2040 – 10 years ahead of the national deadline.