Anthony Mangnall MP convenes South West Water meeting to discuss Warfleet Creek water quality

21st July 2023

The MP for Totnes, Anthony Mangnall, has said he is looking forward to a reduction in the number of storm overflow spills reported at Warfleet Creek in Dartmouth following a recent meeting with local councillors and representatives from South West Water.

The meeting was arranged following concerns about the high number of reported storm overflow spills into the creek as part of the water company’s EDM (Event Duration Monitor) Annual Report for 2022.

Following thorough investigation by South West Water, it found that false spill events were being reported, leading to an over-reporting of storm spills. The results of this review were discussed at a site meeting with local councillors. The review will be reflected in the reduction of reported spills for 2023.

South West Water has committed to reducing its use of storm overflows across the region with strong investments and plans to reduce its impact on rivers by one-third by 2025. In last year’s bathing season spills reduced by 50% across the region, with the duration of those spills down by 75%.

As part of this work, 100% of South West Water’s storm overflows are now fitted with monitors to help target investment and interventions to reduce spill numbers.

Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes, said: “I was pleased to be able to arrange a meeting between South West Water representatives and local councillors to discuss storm overflow reporting at Warfleet. I am grateful that South West Water has provided an explanation for the high spill count that was recorded in 2022, and look forward to seeing far better statistics for 2023.

“I am aware that recent news reports were a source of worry for many residents and tourists, but this information provides reassurance that South West Water is working to clean up our waterways. I will continue to work closely with South West Water on this.”

South Hams District Councillor, Jonathan Hawkins, said: “The meeting was very constructive and South West Water reassured us about the quality of the water in Warfleet, but we will be watching very carefully as this is such a loved and well used area.

“We will be calling on the Town Council, as owner of the site, to move forward with the designation of the bathing area to give residents and tourists alike better confidence in using the area.”

Alan Burrows, South West Water’s Director of Environment Liaison and Culture, said: “We were pleased to have the opportunity to reassure Anthony Mangnall MP and local councillors of our indepth review and the impact on the number of storm spills.

“The health of our rivers and seas is important to us and reducing the use of storm overflows will help us achieve this.”