THE MAYOR of Dawlish was on hand as South West Water marked the start of work on a huge storm water tank underneath the Lawn.

Cllr Anthony James went along to see how work is progressing on the next stage of the major programme in Dawlish which aims to improve water quality by reducing the use of storm overflows in the area.

One of the solutions is to introduce two new storm water tanks, one on the Lawn and the other in Sandy Lane, up to 45 metres deep which will each have a capacity of 2.2million litres of storm water.

So far preparation work has been completed for the new storm works which includes pipe diversions to allow space for the new tanks.

Work has now started on the tanks and continues on the surface water separation works at West Cliff and Elm Grove.

SWW contractors will then focus on installing a new pump chamber and controls for the storm tanks, along with starting to drill for the new sewer that will connect to the tank at The Lawn, along with other supporting works across the town.

Graham Murphy, South West Water’s Chief Engineering Officer, said: ‘This project is the first of many to come as part of our record £760 million Turning the Tide programme to reduce the use of storm overflows across our region over the next five years, and is an essential investment for Dawlish.

‘We are really pleased to be on track and starting work on the new storage tanks, which will each hold millions of litres of flows during wet weather to prevent storm overflow spills and protect bathing water quality in the area.

‘I’d like to thank the Mayor, councillors, local businesses and residents for their patience and understanding as we deliver this improvements.

‘Our teams have worked hard to keep everyone updated on our work, and we will continue to do so.’

Councillor Anthony James, Mayor of Dawlish, said: ‘Changes to our environment caused by adverse weather conditions, the disposal of sanitary items, non-biodegradable tissues and chemicals and the increased need to build new homes and buildings have caused an increased demand on the supply and treatment of our water services.

'South West Water has come to Dawlish to build a proactive system in the aim of protecting our community and our environment for future generations.

'I am aware that some of the works being carried out will cause unavoidable issues.

‘I have, however, found working alongside South West Water and its contractors extremely positive and we have a healthy understanding and honest proactive working relationship.’

Several solutions are being carried out in Dawlish, including the new storm tanks, separating sewage from surface rainwater, and fixing issues where groundwater is seeping into existing pipework, putting added strain on the network.

These are all designed to reduce storm overflow and future-proof Dawlish’s wastewater network so it can perform effectively as the town’s population continues to grow, and help improve the local bathing waters.

The reduction of sewage into water courses and bathing water during periods of heavy rainfall, is a priority for SWW.