South West Water seeks private sewage stations

South West Water is due to take over about 900 private pumping stations

South West Water is appealing for help to locate about 600 private sewage stations.

The company is due to take over an estimated 900 sewage stations by October 2016, which serve two or more properties or are located outside property boundaries.

It only knew the locations of about 315 currently, it said.

The water company wants to examine and upgrade the stations if necessary before they become its responsibility.

Head of waste water services Richard Gilpin said the hunt was "a bit like looking for needles in a haystack".

He said: "Private pumping stations can be found anywhere, from small housing developments to remote farms and small business parks.

"Sometimes they look like a definite piece of equipment, but others are hidden under manhole covers."

Until October 2016, the owner or owners of stations remained responsible for their maintenance and repair, Mr Gilpin said.

South West Water covers Devon and Cornwall, as well as parts of Dorset and Somerset.