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.
Customer drop-in session
We are turning the tide on bathing water quality in your area. Thank you to everyone who attended our customer drop-in session in Dawlish on 30th October. You can download the presentation below.
Finding solutions for each area
To address storm overflow use, we need to find tailor-made solutions for each area. Solutions for Dawlish include adding storage tanks and creating separate drains for sewage and rainwater.
Challenges in Dawlish
In Dawlish, the wastewater network is under increased pressure due to rapid growth, which means more homes need to use the sewers. Climate change is also bringing heavy rainfall, which adds to the volume in the system.
Most of the town has a system of combined sewers, which means wastewater from toilets and sinks mixes with rainwater that runs off roofs, roads and the land. With increased rain, this results in a higher risk of storm overflows being used.
Separating sewers and installing storage
If we can keep rainwater out of the main sewage system, it’s much less likely that storm overflows will be needed. Starting in January 2025, we’ll be creating separate drainage in Dawlish. We’ll also install a new tank so wastewater can be stored at times of heavy flow then treated, rather than released from storm overflows. We plan to complete the work by May 2026.
Once the work is complete, the investment should result in improved water quality in the sea and rivers around Dawlish.
By March 2026, we will deliver:
What solutions can reduce reliance on storm overflows?
1. A new storage tank under the Lawn
Climate change is bringing periods of more heavier rainfall. There are storm tanks to hold this water until it can be treated, but the intensity of rain means they sometimes run our of capacity.
We’re looking into building a new storm tank under the Lawn, which would store wastewater at times of heavy flow.
2. A separate drainage system for rainwater
We want to build a separate system of sewers so rainwater doesn’t mix in with sewage waste. This will mean a smaller volume of waste goes to sewage treatment works and pumping stations, making it less likely that they will be overwhelmed.
It’s also a greener option – sewage treatment is an energy-intensive process and rainwater doesn’t need the same level of cleaning.
When are we doing this?
Initial investigations will begin in November 2024. The information from these will determine the construction method and timeline for the storage tanks.
We have submitted draft notices for works in the roads to Devon Highways and we will update this information when the notices are approved, as they may be subject to change.