By utilising pilot monitoring schemes on the Rivers Tavy and Dart, South West Water is working to achieve river bathing water status in local areas.

The South West region sees river pollution from valued regional industries such as farming and mining, together with urban run-off increasing. In addition, spill levels from sewerage systems are also currently very high.

South West Water is now taking steps to reduce their impact on river water quality by one third by 2025. However, changing the design of the system will be a long and gradual process.

Achievements have already been made. The region this year, for the first time ever, achieved 100% bathing water quality, with 98% rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, compared to 28% in the 1990s, according to its research.

Investment in infrastructure and technology over many years, with communities and action groups coming together, has been transformational for many miles of coastline.

A recent enquiry into river quality acknowledged that the health of local rivers is far more than just a sewage problem and that a great deal of progress had been made in cleaning up and monitoring bathing waters to ensure they are fit for bathing.

SWW is currently installing hundreds of monitors on rivers in the region, with pilots on the rivers Tavy and Dart, as it continues to invest in technology and innovative solutions in striving for cleaner water.