South West Water, Glanville Environmental and Network Plus have been shortlisted for the Collaborative Excellence Award at the Utility Week Awards, following their joint efforts to reduce storm overflows across the South West.
The nomination reflects the ambition and scale of South West Water’s £16 million Infiltration Reduction Programme – the largest sewer rehabilitation initiative in the company’s history – delivered in partnership with Glanville Environmental and Network Plus.
Although the team narrowly missed out on the top award, the recognition highlights the significant environmental progress already achieved through the programme, which is improving river and coastal water quality across the region.
Targeting high-risk storm overflows
Launched in 2023, the programme focused on 175 high-risk storm overflows across the wastewater network, aiming to reduce infiltration and cut spills during what became the wettest year on record.
Using advanced CCTV surveying, Artificial Intelligence and trenchless repair techniques, the teams delivered:
- More than 50 km of sewer lining
- 2,000 manhole repairs
- 240,000 metres of CCTV survey reviews
- 175 individual projects across coastal, rural and urban catchments
As a result, it is estimated that the programme prevented more than 4,800 storm spills in 2024 alone. Three-quarters of the company’s worst-performing overflows from 2023 have been removed from the list.
Collaboration, innovation and minimal disruption
The programme was recognised for its strong collaborative approach. Common data systems, real-time information sharing and robust safety and quality standards enabled teams to work autonomously and adapt quickly to changing ground conditions and severe weather.
A key feature of the initiative was its reduced community and environmental impact. Trenchless repair methods limited the need for road closures, minimised noise and shortened project timescales. Targeted inspections and phased repairs reduced excavation requirements, helping protect habitats and local environments.
Sustainability was integrated across the programme, from AI-guided surveys that reduced emissions to the long-life lining systems that extend asset resilience. With responsibility for 157 bathing waters and more than 1,300 km of coastline, South West Water designed the programme to deliver immediate improvements while supporting long-term environmental health.
Industry comment
Hazel Tranchant, Head of Tactical Asset Management at South West Water, said:
“Being recognised among the best in the industry reflects the scale of what this programme delivered, the strength of collaboration behind it, and the rapid environmental improvements already being felt across our region. While we didn’t take home the award, the achievement lies in what this partnership has already delivered for our rivers, seas and communities.”
South West Water will continue to expand its investment in wastewater resilience across the region, building on the foundations set by the programme and the joint work of its delivery partners.
