South West Water admits environmental shortcomings and seeks drought order

South West Water has admitted that its environmental performance requires improvement following scrutiny over sewage overflows. The company explained that some reported overflows during dry weather may be false readings caused by debris such as leaves, twigs, and foam triggering monitoring equipment. Additionally, the firm noted that illegal connections to the wastewater network can cause storm overflows to operate even without rainfall.

Separately, South West Water has requested a ‘drought order’ from the government, which would allow for a non-essential use ban (NEUB) in parts of Devon and Dorset. If granted, this ban would prohibit commercial activities such as car washing, watering plants on commercial premises, and industrial cleaning. The Car Wash Association has responded by requesting that legitimate automated valeting services be treated differently from hand car washes.