WESSEX WATER is investing £3 million a month to tackle storm overflows and reduce how often the overflows discharge waste in Dorset.

The company's Storm Overflows Improvement Plan will see every overflow in the region monitored by 2023, while the number of hours storm overflows discharge will be reduced by 25 per cent.

New storm tanks will be built; nature-based solutions, like wetlands and reed-beds in rural locations introduced; and work will be carried out to separate rainwater from the sewer system.

There will also be continuing investment in artificial intelligence monitoring at wild swimming sites to provide near real time information. A web app for Warleigh Weir, near Bath, is already being tested.

Capacity is being increased at the company's two largest water recycling centres, serving Bournemouth and Bristol, to enable more stormwater to be stored and treated, with work due to start early next year.

In March, Ofwat said it was investigating Wessex Water following 'serious concerns' over its sewage treatment works.

Wessex Water was asked to submit information to the water industry watchdog about how many of its sewage treatment works might not be meeting requirements in its environmental permits, and what they are doing to resolve that.

Wessex Water said: "Storm overflows have always been part of the UK's sewerage network because most sewers carry both rainwater and foul sewage. The overflows prevent contaminated rainwater backing up and flooding people's homes.

"Published river water quality data shows their impact on the water environment is minimal because of the significant dilution during rainfall. All overflows are licensed by the Environment Agency and rarely cause pollution."

However, Matt Wheeldon, director of asset strategy and compliance also said: "We understand the concerns about storm overflows and agree they should have no place in a 21st century sewerage system.

"This major investment is the start of decisive action to tackle storm overflows, and our longer-term improvement plan sets out the further progress we will make over the coming years.

"We have 1,300 overflows across the Wessex Water region, so it will take time and significant resources to eliminate them. By committing to spend £3 million every month on overflows, starting with those that discharge most frequently and those that have any environmental impact, we will make a good start."

Wessex Water's Storm Overflows Improvement Plan has been shared with water industry regulator Ofwat and regional environmental groups.

For more information on Wessex Water's proposals visit wessexwater.co.uk/overflows