Innovative South West Water Project to Map and Predict Groundwater Infiltration Risk Enters Phase Two
14/01/2026
An innovative project to map and predict areas in the South West most at risk of groundwater infiltration has entered its second phase following a successful pilot. South West Water, in partnership with the University of Exeter through the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW), is delivering the Groundwater Infiltration Risk Mapping Project to make water and wastewater systems more resilient to climate change and ageing infrastructure.
Groundwater infiltration occurs when water seeps into sewer systems through cracks or damaged connections, increasing treatment costs, carbon emissions, and the risk of flooding and pollution. Using geospatial technology, data-driven mapping and groundwater modelling, South West Water aims to identify high-risk areas and take early, targeted action.
Phase one, completed in October 2024, focused on the Lower Otter catchment and produced a detailed risk map highlighting zones needing urgent attention. This success has led to Phase two, which will run until October 2026 and expand the approach to Dawlish and Camborne. The resulting models will guide future maintenance, drinking water resource decisions, and long-term infrastructure planning.
Read more at South West Water
How is this helping Devon Adapt to Climate Change? Â
Action INFB 1: Develop joint strategies, research, and longer-term schemes with South West Water, Lead Local Flood Authority, and catchment partnerships to improve catchment management both for high flow areas at flood risk and protect low flow by reducing demand / drought impacts.
Action NEA 1: Develop a collaborative regional water strategy to manage water availability and safe treatment and disposal of waste water, including aquifer recharge, control over-extraction, increase the use of rainwater harvesting, reduce effluent discharge etc.
