2.5 Million Litres of Tap Water Could Be Saved Through South West Water Efficiency Projects

Over £55,000 awarded to community groups helping cut water use

Around 2.5 million litres of tap water could be saved over the next five years thanks to local efforts backed by South West Water’s Water Saving Community Fund.

Launched in 2021, the fund supports community groups and non-profit organisations across the region who are reducing tap water use through practical solutions. In the last year alone, over £55,000 has been awarded to a range of projects helping to conserve water and benefit local communities.

Real Impact on the Ground

From a school afterschool club pond attracting frogs and birds to a Cornish food growing and conservation project, the fund has enabled a variety of creative approaches to water saving.

One of the supported organisations is HealthScape CIC, which uses natural coastal environments to support people’s mental health and wellbeing. Thanks to the fund, HealthScape now harvests rainwater for its three polytunnels and 40 raised beds, allowing them to grow produce – with any surplus donated to local organisations and food banks.

The project is completely volunteer-run, involving everyone from support workers to individuals recovering from mental health struggles, domestic violence, loneliness, and substance misuse.

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.”

More to Come in 2025

South West Water’s Paul Dommett, Water Efficiency Delivery Manager, 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.”

To learn more or apply to the Water Saving Community Fund, visit:
👉 www.southwestwater.co.uk/watersavingfund