South West Water will begin work in autumn 2026 on Lyme Regis storm tanks and new surface water drainage to reduce storm overflow use.
The project includes three new storm tanks at Horn Bridge, Jericho and Lyme Regis Sewage Treatment Works.
Together, the tanks will provide an additional 670,000 litres of storm storage. They are due to be installed by 31 March 2027.
Lyme Regis storm tanks to add 670,000 litres
The new tanks will capture excess flows during heavy rainfall. Stored flows will then be held until there is capacity at the sewage treatment works for full treatment.
South West Water said the scheme will help reduce the use of storm overflows and improve water quality in local rivers and the sea.
The investment is part of the company’s Lyme Regis project, which sits within its wider £760 million Turning the Tide programme.
Surface water drainage planned across Lyme Regis
South West Water will also install a new surface water drainage network across parts of Lyme Regis, including Colway Lane, Pine Walk, Clappentail Lane and Sidmouth Road.
The network will create a dedicated route for surface water from roads and roofs. This is intended to reduce the amount of rainwater entering the sewer network during heavy rainfall.
Engineers will dig trenches, lay new pipes under roads and reconnect existing gullies to the new surface water network.
Keeping rainwater separate from wastewater should reduce pressure on the combined sewer system and lower the risk of storm overflows operating.
Bathing water protection remains the focus
Lyme Regis Front Beach is covered by South West Water’s WaterFit Live service, which provides information on storm overflows with the potential to affect bathing water quality.
The Environment Agency assesses designated bathing water sites in England between May and September.
Protecting the environment and improving water quality are priorities for South West Water, and this investment in Lyme Regis is an important part of our £760 million Turning the Tide programme.
Kakha Tatelishvili, programme manager, South West Water
By separating surface water from wastewater and increasing capacity, we can reduce the need for storm overflows to operate and build a more resilient network that is better prepared for the future.
Kakha Tatelishvili, programme manager, South West Water
Construction to continue through late 2026
The surface water drainage works are expected to take place across Lyme Regis in late 2026.
South West Water said it would work with the community during construction to minimise disruption and keep customers informed.
We know how important Lyme Regis’ rivers and coastline are to local people, businesses and visitors, and we will work closely with the community throughout construction to minimise disruption and keep customers informed of our progress.
Kakha Tatelishvili, programme manager, South West Water
More coverage of storm overflow investment is available in the H2O Global News Sewage Management section, including related reporting on a South West Water storm tank project in Sidmouth.
FAQs
What is South West Water building in Lyme Regis?
South West Water is building three new storm tanks and a new surface water drainage network in parts of Lyme Regis.
How much storm storage will the new tanks provide?
The three tanks will provide 670,000 litres of additional storm storage.
When will the Lyme Regis storm tanks be completed?
South West Water says the new storm tanks are due to be installed by 31 March 2027.
Why is surface water drainage being separated?
Separating surface water from wastewater reduces pressure on the sewer network during heavy rainfall and can reduce the need for storm overflows to operate.
