South West Water
Service Region🗺️ South West England
CategoryWater Company
Organisation Type💧 Water Company
South West Water is a water and sewerage company owned by Pennon Group plc, serving approximately 1.8 million customers across Devon, Cornwall, and parts of Dorset. The company also incorporates the former Bournemouth Water service area following its 2016 merger with Pennon Group.
South West Water AMP8 Investment Programme
South West Water is investing approximately £3 billion across the 2025–2030 Asset Management Period (AMP8), following Ofwat's PR24 Final Determinations in December 2024. This represents a substantial uplift on previous regulatory periods, targeting long-overdue improvements to wastewater infrastructure, storm overflow reduction and drinking water quality across the South West peninsula.
The programme is structured around Ofwat's outcome delivery incentive (ODI) framework, with South West Water contractually committed to delivering measurable improvements in environmental performance, customer service and asset resilience — with financial penalties applying if targets are missed.
AMP8 Capital Delivery Priorities
Storm Overflow Reduction (WINEP)
South West Water has significant obligations under the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) to reduce storm overflow discharges. Devon and Cornwall's combined sewer infrastructure requires extensive capital works to separate surface water and reduce CSO spill frequency and volume into rivers and coastal waters.
Leakage Reduction Programme
Regulatory targets require South West Water to deliver a minimum 15% leakage reduction over AMP8. This involves sustained investment in pressure management, district metering, active leakage control and targeted mains renewal across the distribution network.
Wastewater Treatment Works Upgrades
Multiple treatment works across Devon and Cornwall require capacity expansion and process upgrades to meet tightening Environment Agency discharge consents. New biological treatment and nutrient removal technologies are central to meeting AMP8 environmental compliance requirements.
Drinking Water Quality & Lead Replacement
Investment in water treatment works improvements and the replacement of lead service pipes forms a significant element of the AMP8 water quality programme, supporting compliance with the revised Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) standards.
AMP8 Contractor Frameworks & Supply Chain
South West Water procures AMP8 capital delivery works through competitive framework agreements and direct procurement, spanning civil engineering, mechanical and electrical, specialist environmental, and professional services. The company works with a range of regional and national contractors across its Devon and Cornwall operational footprint.
Principal supply chain disciplines active in South West Water's AMP8 programme include: civil and infrastructure works; mechanical and electrical installation; wastewater process engineering; network surveys and inspection; environmental consultancy; and asset management and engineering design services.
Kier Network Services Alliance · July 2026
Network Services Alliance Extended — £140M to March 2028
South West Water extended its Kier Network Services Alliance contract (indicative value c.£140m) continuing AMP8 network delivery investment across Devon and Cornwall through to March 2028.
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