South Water Water put in spotlight by watchdogs

South West Water representatives will be at a meeting of Torbay Council's watchdog committee to respond to a series of concerns about the water and sewerage systems.

Councillors on the Overview and Scrutiny Board will be seeking answers on issues including water supply, sewage treatment, storm capacity and bathing water quality.

Although members of the public will not be able to speak at the Spotlight Review, the Board is inviting people to write in with their concerns.

These can then be shared with South West Water and the Board ahead of the meeting which will take place at 5.30pm on Thursday October 5 at the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay.

The Co-ordinator of the Board is Cllr Yvonne Twelves, who has taken over from Cllr Adam Billings after he was appointed to the Council's Cabinet.

Cllr Twelves said: "This meeting gives Torbay Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board opportunity to discuss issues of concern with South West Water, and also to explore how the council and councillors can work together with the company to improve communication and outcomes for the people of Torbay."
The Board wants to know what is being done to improve the reliability and sustainability of supplies and the capacity of the sewerage system in the light of climate change, rising demand and population growth.

Councillors are asking for a response to reports from residents of a foul odour from the Brokenbury treatment works at Churston.

The Board is also seeking information on the frequency of storm overflows resulting in the release of untreated sewage, the effect on water quality and marine life, and what is being done to tackle the issue.