South West Water's £2 billion project has transformed the region's bathing waters and sewerage network.

In two just decades, 250 crude sewage outfalls have been closed and a further 140 complementary projects carried out in order to modernise sewage treatment in the South West.

This major investment has improved water quality at 144 bathing sites in the South West. The final scheme at Polperro in Cornwall was completed in 2011. 

Twenty years ago, many communities lacked the most basic sewage treatment and the region's reputation as a tourist haven was under threat.

After spending £100 million on its inland waste water programme, South West Water has further helped clean up the region's rivers and ensuring they remain healthy ecosystems to support strong fish stocks and other wildlife.

Clean Sweep Timeline