Plans to improve water quality at Dawlish

Improvement works are set to be completed in 2026

Work to improve water quality and reduce the use of storm overflows in the Dawlish area is set to begin early next year, South West Water (SWW) said.

New storage tanks and separate drains for sewage and rainwater are proposed as part of the plan to upgrade the wastewater network and improve local bathing waters.

SWW has warned residents that testing will be carried out in the next few weeks, which will involve "drilling trial holes" in the town.

It said the improvement works are set to be completed in March 2026.

The water company said it was "future-proofing" Dawlish's wastewater network so it could "perform effectively as the town’s population continues to grow".

It said reducing the use of storm overflows was a major focus of its £2.8 billion "record investment" over the next five years.

The water company said improvements would be carried out by Amplify.

Amplify’s mobilisation director, Mark Wright, said the investment was "essential" for Dawlish.

“By conducting these tests, we can design a robust, future-proof solution that protects the town, and we look forward to sharing our plans with local residents.”

SWW said drop-in sessions will be held at the Council Chambers, Manor House, between 14:00 and 19:00 GMT on Wednesday.