‘Permanent solution’ to burst Exmouth sewer to begin

Two phases will end temporary fix

South West Water will start implementing a “permanent solution” to fix the burst main in Exmouth that caused the town’s beaches to be closed at the height of summer.

Richard Price, who is in charge of the firm’s waste water services, said a solution had been identified and the first of two phases begin this month.

“This will involve replacing the burst section of sewer so that it can be put back into use and we can remove the temporary setup,” he said.

“We are aiming to finish this before the end of the year. The second phase of work will involve replacing the sewer down to Maer Road pumping station.

“We are also working with our regulatory partners to bring forward our planned wider improvements in Exmouth.

This includes upgrading our pumping stations and treatment works to reduce the number of spills.”

The announcement comes as pressure on the company from local politicians, including MP David Reed (Conservative, Exmouth and Exeter East), has ramped up.

Two bursts occurred in the first two months of Mr Reed being elected, and he met the firm’s boss, Susan Davy, to demand action.

The company commissioned a private firm to assess the sewer network and find out what was causing the damage.

The main fault seemed to be sand and grit that slowly but consistently erodes sewer pipes.

Mr Price said the firm was already making upgrades at Maer Road pumping station and to the outfall from Maer Lane waste water treatment works, “both of which we aim to complete by March 2025.

“We are doing everything we can to protect the environment as part of our £38 million investment in Exmouth, and we will continue to provide updates on our plans and progress,” he added.

Mr Reed had said SWW would be willing to bring planned future expenditure forward to help fixes to be made sooner, but that permission for this would be required from the Environment Agency and water regulator Ofwat.