South West Water Leads Charge to Protect Water Quality: Over 130,000 Hectares of Land Now Under Management

In a concerted effort to protect and enhance water quality across the region, South West Water is spearheading a collaborative approach involving farmers, landowners, and local organisations. This initiative marks a significant stride in safeguarding the environment, as World Water Week 2024 highlights the critical importance of collaboration for a sustainable future.

A Collaborative Approach to Water Quality

Carolyn Cadman, Director of Natural Resources at South West Water, reflected on the role of partnership in improving water quality as part of World Water Week 2024. With numerous factors impacting water quality—from farmyard manure and fertilisers to herbicides and pesticides—South West Water has joined forces with local partners to address these challenges directly at their source.

“Our work with local partners and landowners is essential in tackling the factors that threaten our water quality,” Carolyn noted. Through the award-winning “Upstream Thinking” programme, South West Water collaborates with wildlife organisations and landowners to reduce the impact of agricultural activities on water quality. Since 2020, the programme has worked with over 1,100 farms, planted 250,000 trees, and managed over 130,000 hectares of land across the South West.

Innovative Solutions for Long-Term Impact

South West Water’s approach is not just about immediate improvements; it’s about long-term resilience. The “Upstream Thinking” programme supports farmers and the rural economy while enhancing biodiversity and water quality. Through practical interventions like tree planting, manure shed construction, and reduced fertiliser use, the programme helps prevent pollutants from washing into waterways.

In addition to agricultural partnerships, South West Water has been instrumental in restoring peatlands across Dartmoor, Exmoor, Bodmin Moor, and Penwith. The South West Peatland Partnership has begun the restoration process on 1,630 hectares of peatland—equivalent to nearly 2,300 football pitches—since 2020. Restored peatlands act as natural sponges, reducing flood risks and improving the quality of raw water by preventing harmful material from entering rivers and streams.

Research and Innovation with CREWW

The collaboration extends beyond practical interventions. South West Water’s partnership with the University of Exeter has led to the establishment of the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW). This £30 million research facility aims to explore sustainable solutions to challenges in the water sector, focusing on future-proofing water systems against floods, droughts, and pollutants, including microplastics.

Carolyn expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, noting, “I’m excited to see the results of this partnership over the coming years.” CREWW’s research is expected to have a significant impact regionally, nationally, and globally, contributing to a more sustainable future for water management.

Community Involvement in Water Protection

South West Water also actively engages with local river groups to monitor and improve river water quality. This work forms part of a broader Green Recovery project, which has supported local river groups in securing inland bathing water designation status for four new bathing waters on the River Dart.

The company’s commitment to water quality and environmental protection is unwavering. “Protecting water quality and enhancing the environment across our region is one of our top priorities,” Carolyn emphasised, inviting like-minded organisations to join forces for the benefit of the environment and water quality in the South West.

South West Water’s efforts underscore the importance of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges, demonstrating that collective action can lead to meaningful, long-lasting change. As World Water Week 2024 puts the spotlight on sustainability, South West Water’s collaborative projects offer a blueprint for protecting water resources for generations to come.

For more information on South West Water’s initiatives and how you can get involved, visit South West Water’s website.