South West Water (SWW) is set to nearly double its environmental investment to £2.5 billion between 2025 and 2030, according to the Environment Agency (EA). The EA described this as "the largest ever commitment" from water companies to clean up the environment and invest in new infrastructure since privatisation.
The investment includes measures to reduce the amount of water taken from the River Camel in Cornwall, which is expected to improve river health. EA chairman Alan Lovell said the plan marked a “vital step forward towards clean, safe, and abundant water,” while SWW stated it would enhance river quality.
The Water Industry National Environment Programme outlines over 24,000 actions water companies must take in the next five years to meet legal requirements. SWW’s share includes £764 million to cut storm overflow spills, £150 million to tackle nutrient pollution, and £3 million for biodiversity and conservation projects, according to the EA.
Mr. Lovell stressed that the EA would collaborate with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and watchdog Ofwat “to monitor water company progress and ensure they deliver what has been promised.” He added: “If water companies fail to carry out their legal obligations to the environment, we will take action.”
Reducing Abstraction and Pollution
SWW abstracts water from the De Lank River, part of the River Camel catchment, to supply drinking water to homes and businesses. The company has committed to reducing abstraction by 31 March 2030, aiming to “ease pressure on this highly valued river system.”
Additionally, SWW has agreed to stop abstraction and remove a weir within Dendles Wood National Nature Reserve, as confirmed by the EA.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the urgency of water system improvements: “It is no secret that our water system needs fixing and that our rivers, lakes and seas are choked by pollution.” He also assured that investments would be ringfenced to ensure customer bills fund necessary projects.
Largest Investment to Date
Mark Worsfold, SWW’s director of asset management, highlighted the scale of the investment: “This will see improvements in water resources, natural resources, and river water quality improvements across the river network.”
He added that SWW’s storm overflow programme would enhance coastal and estuary water quality by 2030, five years ahead of government targets.
