British water company
Devon Live Oct 28
South West Water has explained why a mass of water was seen spurting out of a Devon Harbour
At first thought to be a sewage discharge ... Show more
Mail Online Oct 26
'Day Zero' where UK reservoirs run dry could happen before Christmas, ministers are secretly warned
dailymail.com/news/article-16238149/Reservoirs-UK-run-dry-Christmas.html
Sniffing out leaks.
South West Water's latest weapon against a regional drought crisis is two spaniels with wet noses and a penchant for sniffing mud ... Show more
Devon Live Oct 15
Severe drought 'not seen for decades' declared across South West counties : Warnings have been issued for Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West ...
devonlive.com/news/uk-world-news/severe-drought-not-seen-decades-11200276
Fix sewage or face takeover, Plymouth MP warns South West Water: 'I’m disgusted with their behaviour'
plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/fix-sewage-face-takeover-plymouth-11202904
Devon Live Oct 17
South West Water issues warning over sewage releases at popular Devon beach: There is apparently "no silver bullet" for sewage overflows
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/south-west-water-issues-warning-11201892
Midweek Herald Oct 19
Devon reservoir video shows low water as Tottiford hits 17%: A local filmmaker has captured low water levels at two reservoirs as households face renewed ...
midweekherald.co.uk/news/26647726.devon-reservoir-video-shows-low-water-tottiford-hits-17/
South West Water customer says she has lost confidence in supply: A couple from Cornwall are given bottled water after particles and raised pH level are ...
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgk5nj7847ko
Devon Live Oct 06
The areas of Devon which could be hit by South West Water 'non-essential' ban - full list
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/areas-devon-could-hit-south-11185621
Devon Live Oct 10
MP 'disgusted' at South West Water after Plymouth Hoe spillage: Bathers given second pollution warning in just a week
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/mp-disgusted-south-west-water-11193213
Devon Live Oct 08
South West Water admits it has 'underperformed' on sewage spills: “We recognise that our performance is not where it needs to be.”
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/south-west-water-admits-underperformed-11187914
Devon Live Oct 07
Water ban faces local businesses 💧
South West Water has officially applied to expand water restrictions, targeting non-essential commercial use across broad ... Show more
South West Water owner Pennon calls on investors to help fund overhaul: The group’s plans for a £550 million rights issue and dividend cut will help fund round ...
shropshirestar.com/uk-news/south-west-water-owner-pennon-calls-on-investors-to-help-fund-overhaul-9271686
Exmouth Journal Oct 07
South West Water teaches 5,000 children about water: South West Water's education programme is teaching nearly 5,000 children across the South West.
exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/26614609.south-west-water-teaches-5-000-children-water/
South West Water admits MASKING Ernesettle stench for years: 'They knew, and they let it carry on. They don't even measure how it affects people here.'
plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/south-west-water-admits-masking-11187733
Midweek Herald Oct 07
Uffculme roadworks spark row over pedestrian access: Older residents were forced into a mile-long detour along narrow country lanes after a road was ...
midweekherald.co.uk/news/26614575.uffculme-roadworks-spark-row-pedestrian-access/
Exmouth Journal Oct 06
Devon businesses could face new water restrictions amid drought: Businesses across large parts of Devon could face new restrictions on how they use mains ...
exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/26609977.devon-businesses-face-new-water-restrictions-amid-drought/
South West Water fined almost £8M over mass sewage pollution: The water firm has pleaded guilty to a catalogue of pollution-related charges
cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/south-west-water-sentenced-today-11176219
Key FactsSouth West Water fined £7.87m over sewage offences
Sep 29, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: plymouthherald.co.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: plymouthherald.co.uk
- South West Water admitted 17 illegal discharges involving more than 500 separate sewage incidents.
- The offences occurred between January 2015 and July 2021 at five locations across Devon and Cornwall.
- The Environment Agency reported 336 illegal spills near Bodmin and 231 untreated-sewage discharges at Harlyn beach.
- The court imposed £7,867,733 overall; at Hooe Lake, sewage flowed for 88 hours over a bank-holiday weekend.
The entire broken, privatised model needs to be torn up and replaced to end this scandal.— Jo Morley, Head of Campaigns and Advocacy, Surfers Against Sewage
'Don't swim' warning lifted on Plymouth Hoe by Environment Agency: Go on in - apparently the water's lovely again...
plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/dont-swim-warning-lifted-plymouth-11183232
Exmouth Journal Sep 30
Exmouth Big Dip goes ahead after pollution warning lifted: The Big Dip, a bi-annual event held on Exmouth beach in Devon, was able to go ahead on Sunday ...
exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/26593744.exmouth-big-dip-goes-ahead-pollution-warning-lifted/
Midweek Herald Sep 22
East Devon MP has called for South West Water to be reformed: Richard Foord, MP for Honiton and Sidmouth, made the call during a Westminster Hall debate on ...
midweekherald.co.uk/news/26570333.east-devon-mp-called-south-west-water-reformed/
Two sewage overflows in Plymouth 'active' after high spring tide: Sewage discharge was reported by Cattewater Harbour authority
plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/two-sewage-overflows-plymouth-active-11176653
Exmouth Journal Sep 30
Marlcombe sewage plans include possible new works: A new sewage treatment works could be needed to serve Marlcombe as concerns grow over whether existing ...
exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/26578665.marlcombe-sewage-plans-include-possible-new-works/
Road works to cause delays across the BCP area this week: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole drivers face road closures and temporary road works in ...
bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/26582254.road-works-cause-delays-across-bcp-area-week/
LIVE: Check sewage leaks in the past 24 hours in Cornwall: You can now keep updated with the state of your local beach in real time thanks to our interactive map
cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/live-check-sewage-leaks-past-11168475
Specialist detection dogs used to track down leaks 🐶
South West Water says its engineers fixed more than 26,700 leaks across Devon and Cornwall over the last ... Show more
South West Water gives update on hosepipe ban : The water supplier said that it is working hard to reduce leakage
plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/south-west-water-gives-update-11140817
Exmouth Journal Sep 01
South West Water offering free water-saving devices: The devices are designed to improve water efficiency across the home and are aimed at households with water ...
exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/26509443.south-west-water-offering-free-water-saving-devices/
Exmouth Journal Sep 09
Sewage spill prompts Exmouth bathing warning and investigation: A sewage spill which an MP says entered a watercourse linked to a bathing area has prompted a ...
exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/26537147.sewage-spill-prompts-exmouth-bathing-warning-investigation/
Devon Live Sep 05
South West Water update on the hosepipe ban 💧
South West Water has given an update regarding the ongoing hosepipe ban affecting customers across Devon and ... Show more
www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/man-66-named-following-tragic-11097277?
www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/man-66-named-following-tragic-11097277?
Devon Live Aug 27
300hrs of Sewage spills in one week
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/stop-treating-rivers-like-toilet-11129167
Devon Live Aug 30
300hrs of Sewage spills in one week
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/stop-treating-rivers-like-toilet-11129167
Devon Live Aug 23
South West Water explains when a 'sewage spill' is not a sewage spill: They're false readings, due to a few different potential reasons
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/south-west-water-explains-sewage-11116900
South West Water offering customers free shower heads, kitchen taps and 'leaky loo' strips to save water during hosepipe ban and beyond
Megan ... Show more
South West Water has worst environmental record in England, analysis shows: Exclusive: Friends of the Earth finds greatest sewage discharge in Devon, Cornwall ...
theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/30/south-west-water-worst-environmental-record-england
Devon Live Aug 10
South West Water issues boil water notice in Devon - updates: Around 900 properties are affected
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/south-west-water-issues-chagford-11101559
Midweek Herald Aug 25
Why some storm overflow alerts may not mean a spill: A sewage alert appearing online does not always mean waste water has been discharged ...
midweekherald.co.uk/news/26491344.storm-overflow-alerts-may-not-mean-spill/
How water companies could charge you more during drought: Rule changes being proposed by the regulator could allow a new regime of dynamic pricing creating ...
inews.co.uk/news/how-water-companies-charge-more-during-drought-4710607
South West Water is offering customers shower heads, kitchen taps and 'leaky loo' strips to save water
South West Water is offering customers free ... Show more
Come Rain or Shine | Save water | South West Water
Come Rain or Shine | Save water | South West Water
Midweek Herald Aug 15
South West Water: Warning over leaky toilets in Devon: So far in 2026, the company has completed 2,874 visits through its free home water audit programme ...
midweekherald.co.uk/news/26465357.south-west-water-issues-warning-leaky-toilets/
Midweek Herald Aug 21
South West Water urging Devon people to use water wisely: South West Water is urging customers across Devon to use water wisely following recent blazes.
midweekherald.co.uk/news/26481760.south-west-water-urging-people-devon-use-water-wisely/
'Plympton Pong' so bad it wakes people up - but Sherford is off the hook: 'I’ve lived here for 40 years and it’s about as bad as it’s ever been'
plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/plympton-pong-bad-wakes-people-11117151
Midweek Herald Aug 14
Richard Foord: South West Water losing million litres a day: The leaky infrastructure led to the loss of more than 107 million litres daily between 2024 and 2025 ...
midweekherald.co.uk/news/26456731.south-west-water-losing-over-107-million-litres-day/
Mum of girl, 8, who died of E.coli slams South West Water over sewage spill revelations
mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/south-west-water-sewage-spills-37573869
Exmouth Journal Aug 16
Toilet check could save thousands of litres of water: A simple toilet check could help stop thousands of litres of water being wasted every day.
exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/26464463.toilet-check-save-thousands-litres-water/
Devon Live Aug 11
MP demands urgent action on South West Water leaks as hosepipe ban hits : 'The company is taking South Devon residents for a ride'
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/mp-demands-urgent-action-south-11104010
Devon Live Aug 07
What actually happens if you get caught using a hosepipe during a ban: South West Water insists it wants to avoid handing out penalties 'wherever possible'
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/what-actually-happens-you-caught-11097241
Tavistock Times Gazette Aug 13
Chagford Boil Water Notice Lifted After Clear Tests: VILLAGERS and businesses in Chagford have been told the boil water notice has been lifted.
middevonadvertiser.co.uk/news/chagford-boil-water-notice-lifted-937002
Can you be fined for breaking Somerset's hosepipe ban?: With the news that some residents are under a hosepipe ban - here's what could happen if you are ...
somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/26451611.can-fined-breaking-somersets-hosepipe-ban/
Somerset reservoir half-empty as fifth heatwave hits : Two reservoirs in Somerset are now classed as having “exceptionally low” levels
somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/gallery/somerset-reservoir-half-empty-fifth-11104458
Devon Live Aug 06
Mum's holiday warning after daughter swam at Dawlish and died : Heather was just eight-years-old
devonlive.com/news/local-news/mums-holiday-warning-after-daughter-11095147
'My daughter, 8, died after swimming in sewage-filled UK beach during our family holiday'
birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/my-daughter-8-died-after-34428995
Exmouth Journal Aug 06
Views wanted on long sea outfall for Exmouth sewage works: Residents are being invited to give their views on plans that could see a new long sea outfall used ...
exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/26440695.views-wanted-long-sea-outfall-exmouth-sewage-works/
Some South West Water customers in Somerset have been hit by a hosepipe ban after prolonged sunshine and multiple heatwaves
South West Water insists it wants to avoid handing out penalties 'wherever possible'
👉 www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/thousands-celebrate-cornwall-takes-centre-11097697
Somerset hosepipe ban could be extended if action not taken: Wessex Water warns that a hosepipe ban may be needed unless demand falls - just hours after South ...
somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/26445606.somerset-hosepipe-ban-extended-action-not-taken/
Midweek Herald Jul 17
Devon drivers could face £1,000 fine for washing cars: South West Water introduced the Temporary Use Ban on July 14, affecting households in Mid Devon and parts ...
midweekherald.co.uk/news/26289018.devon-drivers-face-1-000-fine-washing-cars/
Midweek Herald Jul 31
Honiton fitness Centre saves over 2,500 litres of water a day with new devices
midweekherald.co.uk/news/26423439.honiton-gym-saving-2-600-litres-water-every-day/
Devon Live Jul 29
Gruesome finds in woods were shrouded in secrecy for so long: James Desborough has been convicted of three murders - making him a serial killer
devonlive.com/news/local-news/gruesome-finds-sticker-woods-were-11082175
Raw sewage is being dumped off the Isles of Scilly – and no one will be prosecuted
inews.co.uk/news/raw-sewage-dumped-isles-scilly-no-one-prosecuted-4659789
Devon Live Jul 15
Devon kids fall ill after swimming in 'sludgy' river water with foul smell
A spokesperson for South West Water said none of its storm overflows in ... Show more
Devon Live Jul 19
'We don't want to swim in sewage' - Devon 7-year-olds take on water boss after classmates fall ill
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/we-dont-want-swim-sewage-11062607
BBC Jul 22
Cornwall Council passes vote of no confidence in South West Water: Record bills and raw sewage spills in seas and rivers were among the concerns raised.
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cevmg1pnl8lo
Mum of girl, 8, who died from E.coli in sea urges PM to 'put public health before profit' over sewage scandal
mirror.co.uk/news/politics/ecoli-sea-sewage-andy-burnham-37472968
Furious pupils from a Devon primary school have taken a bold stand against South West Water 💧
Exemptions from UK hosepipe bans confirmed and 'depend on tariff': Millions of UK households are currently under restrictions, but might not realise that they ...
somersetlive.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/exemptions-uk-hosepipe-bans-confirmed-11062111
Tavistock Times Gazette Jul 10
Hatherleigh river 'spill' is sediment not sewage, Environment Agency believes: The discoloured water in the River Lew in Hatherleigh this week is believed to be ...
okehampton-today.co.uk/news/environment-agency-believes-sediment-caused-discoloured-river-water-in-hatherleigh-926187
Devon Live Jul 06
Exeter homeowners 'trapped' in £750k luxury houses after developer collapses: The estate is described as an 'exclusive collection of three, four and five bedroom ...
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/exeter-homeowners-trapped-750k-luxury-11045597
Seven children ill after swimming in river after 16-hour sewage spill: At least seven children were struck down with vomiting and upset stomachs after swimming ...
chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/seven-children-ill-after-swimming-34224281
South West Water shamed as Plymouth's proud status reduced to 'sick joke': “While they are swimming in cash, we are swimming in.. well you know exactly what it ...
plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/south-west-water-shamed-plymouths-11039873
Plymouth footpath closed 24/7 for essential sewer works: The works are scheduled to finish in August
plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/plymouth-footpath-closed-247-essential-11031535
Midweek Herald Jun 20
MP Richard Foord calling for urgent action on River Otter: Honiton and Sidmouth MP Richard Foord raised the issue during a parliamentary debate on June 18.
midweekherald.co.uk/news/26211197.mp-richard-foord-calling-urgent-action-river-otter/
Midweek Herald Jun 29
Women from South West Water shortlisted for utility award: Three inspirational women from South West Water have been shortlisted for the prestigious Women in ...
midweekherald.co.uk/news/26236465.women-south-west-water-shortlisted-utility-award/
South West Water 'faulty' meters are doubling people's bills overnight: South West Water says water meters will help lower bills for customers - when many of ...
cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/south-west-water-accused-installing-11017853
OpinionAnger over South West Water boss' bonus 'obscene and insulting': People have shared their views on the £270,000 bonus paid to Susan Davy, former CEO of Pennon ...
plymouthherald.co.uk/news/news-opinion/anger-over-south-west-water-11031984
Midweek Herald Jun 24
South West Water warning not to swim in reservoirs in Devon: The warning comes as hot weather continues across the region.
midweekherald.co.uk/news/26224637.south-west-water-warning-not-swim-devon-reservoirs/
Council prepares historic lawsuit against South West Water: Leader Julian Brazil has ‘high appetite for risk’ on dragging the water firm over the coals but wants ...
plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/devon-county-council-prepares-historic-11030352
Devon Live Jun 24
Exeter primary school shut because it has no water in 37C heatwave: South West Water is trying to fix the problem
devonlive.com/news/devon-news/exeter-primary-school-shut-because-11028142
