SOUTH West Water has revealed more details about how reductions in storm overflows will be carried out in Dawlish. 

The company, which is holding a drop-in sessions for residents on Wednesday October 30, has announced plans which are expected to disrupt the town centre and its ourskirts for more than 18 months. 

Tanks of up to 45 metres in depth at due to be dug down into the Lawn in Dawlish and at Sandy Lane.

The proposals have caused shock waves among residents and businesses. 

The amount of investment in the scheme has not yet been announced.

Initial investigations are due to start next month with the main work starting in January. 

SWW says it is investing to reduce the use of storm overflows in Dawlish which will help to improve water quality in local rivers and the sea. 

The company says: ‘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.'

To address storm overflow use, SWW needs to find tailor-made solutions for each area. 

Solutions for Dawlish include adding storage tanks and creating separate drains for sewage and rainwater.

In Dawlish, the wastewater network is under increased pressure due to rapid housing growth, meaning more homes need to use the sewers. 

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.

A spokesman for SWW said: ‘If we can keep rainwater out of the main sewage system, it’s much less likely that storm overflows will be needed.’ 

Work will start in January to separate drainage which will include a new tank so wastewater can be stored at times of heavy flow, then treated, rather than released from storm overflows. 

SWW says work should be completed by May 2026. 

The company says once the work is complete, the ‘investment’ should result in improved water quality in the sea and rivers around Dawlish. 

The spokesman said: ‘By March 2026, we will deliver: 5,675,000 litres more storm storage and 65,600m2 impermeable area of rainwater removed.’

Information from the investigation works will determine the construction method and timeline for the installation of storage tanks. 

Draft notices for works in roads have been submitted to Devon County Council highways.