South West Water (SWW) has been in the news a lot lately, and not for the right reasons. From contaminated water supplies to illegal sewage spills, the company has faced a series of problems and prosecutions in 2026. However, one issue that has not received as much attention is the capacity improvement for septic tank waste businesses. In this article, I will explore this topic and provide my personal commentary and analysis.
The Septic Tank Issue
The repeated closure of some waste water treatment works in Cornwall to commercial waste tankers in 2023, 2024, and 2025 has caused a great deal of frustration. This issue had not been so high-profile, but it is a significant problem for the region. The SWW head of environmental performance, Helen Dobby, explained that they have increased capacity at their Hayle treatment plant by 50,000 cubic litres by refurbishing an additional tank. This increase in capacity is intended to make the system more resilient, especially during the summer months when tourists come to Cornwall.
Personal Interpretation
In my opinion, the increase in capacity at the Hayle treatment plant is a step in the right direction. However, it is only a temporary solution. The underlying issue is the aging infrastructure and the increasing demand for water treatment services. To truly solve this problem, SWW needs to invest in long-term infrastructure upgrades and develop a more sustainable approach to water management.
Commentary
One thing that immediately stands out is the fact that the increase in capacity is only a small step. The additional 50,000 cubic litres may seem like a lot, but it is only a fraction of the total capacity required to meet the demands of the region. What many people don't realize is that the aging infrastructure is a significant problem, and the increase in capacity is only a temporary fix. If you take a step back and think about it, the fact that the treatment plant has been closed repeatedly in recent years is a clear indication of the underlying issues.
Broader Perspective
From my perspective, the septic tank issue is a symptom of a larger problem. The increasing demand for water treatment services, combined with aging infrastructure, is putting a strain on the system. To truly solve this problem, we need to take a step back and think about the broader implications. The fact that the treatment plant has been closed repeatedly in recent years is a clear indication of the underlying issues, and it is time for SWW to take a more proactive approach to infrastructure upgrades and sustainable water management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the increase in capacity at the Hayle treatment plant is a step in the right direction, but it is only a temporary solution. The underlying issue is the aging infrastructure and the increasing demand for water treatment services. To truly solve this problem, SWW needs to invest in long-term infrastructure upgrades and develop a more sustainable approach to water management. Personally, I think that the company needs to take a more proactive approach to addressing the underlying issues, and I hope that they will do so in the future.
