SOUTH West Water has reduced storm overflow use by close to a fifth over the past year despite the region experiencing a substantially wetter year than the rest of England.

New data shows that the South West received 62 per cent more rain than England overall in 2025, according to the Met Office.

Almost half, 47 per cent, of all spills occurred during the final three months of the year, when the region experienced sustained periods of heavy rain.

Against this backdrop, the company has delivered improvements across its wastewater network, namely a 17 per cent reduction in total spills and a 25 per cent reduction in total spill duration.

Also, more than 8,300 spills were prevented due to investment and operational improvements.

Richard Price, Managing Director of Wastewater Services at South West Water, said: ‘Our focus has been clear - prioritising beaches during the bathing season and targeting our highest spilling sites.

‘We have reduced by 50 per cent the number of sites that spill more than 100 times per year, and our top five spilling sites have reduced spills by 50 per cent following targeted interventions.

‘Since last year, more than 8,300 spills have been prevented as a direct result of investment and operational improvements.

‘This forms part of our 15-year plan, backed by around £760 million of investment to 2030.

‘We are proud to lead the industry on monitoring and transparency.

‘We measure more spills, more often, with 100 per cent overflow monitoring meaning our data is robust, accurate and fully transparent.

‘This work reflects our continued focus on protecting bathing waters - a priority our customers have clearly told us is most important to them.

‘There is more to do, but the direction of travel is clear: fewer spills, shorter duration, and focused investment where it matters most’.

The new data demonstrates that structural improvements are being delivered even during sustained wet weather conditions.

The company has prioritised interventions at high-spilling coastal sites and continues to focus investment where environmental impact is greatest.

The improvements form part of a 15-year turnaround plan, supported by approximately £760 million of investment over the next five years.

This builds on progress made in 2024, where the company was one of only five in the sector to reduce spills.