South West Water has initiated a significant project in Sidmouth aimed at enhancing the town’s water protection and sewage network. This venture, costing £12 million, will include the construction of a new storm storage tank to better manage excess rainfall.
Storm Tank Construction in Sidmouth
The project focuses on building a storm storage tank at The Ham in Sidmouth. This facility will have a capacity of 100,000 litres. It aims to capture excess flows during heavy rainfall, preventing environmental issues associated with sewage overflows.
Goals of the Project
- Reduce storm overflow incidents to a maximum of ten per year.
- Improve the quality of bathing waters at Sidmouth Town Beach, which has received an “Excellent” rating.
- Safeguard the local environment and community health.
Construction will restrict access to The Ham from December 2025 until its expected completion in June 2026. This necessary closure is intended to ensure safety during the development phase.
Previous Improvements
This project follows earlier upgrades completed in 2024. During this phase, South West Water conducted extensive surveys of the sewage system. They surveyed 8,475 metres of sewer lines and relined 604 metres, in addition to upgrading 32 manholes.
These improvements aimed to decrease groundwater infiltration into the sewage network. By reducing groundwater during heavy rain, they help prevent overwhelmed treatment works and minimize storm overflow spills.
Future Upgrades and Commitments
Post-completion of the storm tank, South West Water plans to separate sewage from rainwater in Sidmouth. This is part of their broader initiative, focusing on reducing storm overflows in waterways and beaches during heavy rainfall.
Charlie Ford, Project Manager at South West Water, expressed commitment to environmental enhancement through this investment. He acknowledged the short-term inconvenience of the construction but emphasized the long-term benefits for the community and the beach.
South West Water’s overarching strategy includes a £3.2 billion investment by 2030, aiming to improve storm overflow management across the region.
