Council seeks full information from South West Water on River Exe sewage network

Exeter City Council is increasing pressure on South West Water to release full details of its sewage network and upgrade plans, amid growing concern over pollution in the River Exe and repeated closures at Exmouth Beach.

Last month the council voted through a motion requesting that South West Water submit the template, mirroring calls made by local authorities elsewhere in the South West. 

The template would provide key information such as the location and capacity of storm overflows, the planned timing and cost of upgrades and how these changes will benefit both water quality and the local community. 

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The urgency in Exeter is driven by the River Exe estuary’s international protections, including its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area. Residents expect the river flowing through the city to be clean, safe, and accessible.

Speaking to Exeter Today last month, Cllr Tess Read (Green, St Davids) proposed the motion and said: “It’s shocking that our rivers are not considered clean enough to swim in.

“Exeter residents don’t want a river running through our city that is a potential public health hazard. They want, and deserve, a waterway that is clean and safe for people to enjoy and nature to thrive.”

“As the Labour government has made improving river quality a key priority, we are urging all Exeter city councillors to push South West Water to be transparent about when and how they are going to clean up their act.”

Cllr James Banyard (Green, St Davids) added: “Residents are rightly frustrated when sewage warnings go up, when swimmers and rowers have to stay out of the water, and when the wildlife that depends on these ecosystems is put at risk.”

“As a council that has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency, and with the Exe estuary recognised internationally for its importance, we have a duty to protect our rivers.”

Residents and businesses in Exeter have been affected by repeated closures at Exmouth Beach, caused by high levels of sewage-contaminated runoff.

In response, South West Water has confirmed a continuing working relationship with Exeter City Council. In a statement the company said: “We work closely with Exeter City Council on a variety of topics and will continue to do so. We are committed to transparency and engagement, regularly providing information to a variety of external organisations. We have offered to meet with the council and look forward to them taking up our offer to discuss circa £140 million of investment in the city between now and 2030.”

“Whilst there is more to do, our pollution reduction plans are delivering tangible benefits. Storm overflow spills have reduced by nearly 50 per cent year-on-year, and pollution incidents have halved in the eight months to August 2025.” 

“We will continue to accelerate investment in innovation, monitoring, and operational excellence to meet the government target of less than 10 spills per overflow, per year – a whole decade early.”

“We are absolutely focused on what we need to do. With a rapidly changing climate and evolving weather patterns, our largest ever £3.2 billion investment plan is essential to deliver long-term resilience, affordability, and environmental protection.”

The council has asked that South West Water complete the template for each piece of infrastructure within the Exe catchment, and to present the data publicly so residents, interest groups and the council can track progress. The firm has offered to meet, and the council says it will take that meeting forward.

For Exeter, this means residents should expect greater visibility of what’s happening beneath the city (the sewer networks, overflow points, the investment pipeline) and a stronger basis on which to hold the utility provider accountable.

In the medium term, the ambition is that better infrastructure, clearer data, and improved accountability will reduce pollution incidents, protect the river, maintain bathing standards in the estuary and give the community confidence its waterways are clean and safe.

Both parties maintain they are committed to improving transparency and accountability, as residents hope the River Exe will soon reflect those promises.