Water-saving fund boosts wellbeing in Torbay

A Torbay-based project has received funding from South West Water’s Water Saving Community Fund, which aims to save around 2.5 million litres of tap water over the next five years.

HealthScape CIC, based at Broadsands Beach in Paignton, promotes mental wellbeing through experiences in natural coastal surroundings. With support from the fund, the group has installed a rainwater harvesting system that can store up to 6,000 litres of water. This will be used to irrigate three polytunnels and 40 raised beds used to grow fruit and vegetables, with any surplus donated to local food banks and organisations.

The project is run entirely by volunteers, including service providers and individuals supporting people experiencing mental health challenges, loneliness, domestic abuse, or addiction recovery.

Paul Richards from HealthScape said: “Thanks to the South West Water grant for our rain water harvesting system we can now store up to 6,000 litres of rainwater which will be used to water the plants growing in our polytunnels and plant beds.

“The polytunnels and beds are used by various groups from all around the Torbay area, making this project beneficial across the whole community.”

South West Water’s Water Efficiency Delivery Manager, Paul Dommett, said: “It has been four years since we launched our innovative Water Saving Community Fund and I’m still blown away by the amount of initiatives across the South West that are identifying creative opportunities for saving tap water.

“Each project we support helps to save tap water, protect our beautiful environment and save money on bills. I’m really excited to see what other initiatives come our way in 2025.”

For more information on the Water Saving Community Fund and how to apply, visit www.southwestwater.co.uk/watersavingfund