Storm Goretti

Published: 12 January 2026

SOUTH WEST WATER MESSAGING:

General update (web, stakeholders, IYA)

The impact of Storm Goretti on our water network has been devastating. Our teams are working around the clock to repair six major water mains in the Helston area that were severely damaged when uprooted trees tore through pipes. In some cases, roots pulled mains from the ground, snapping them in multiple places. Intermittent power cuts are adding to the challenge, but we are doing everything possible to restore supplies quickly and safely.

We’ve already restored water to more than half of affected customers, and work continues at pace.

To help those still without water, bottled water stations are open at:

• Old Flambards Car Park, Helston (24 hrs)
• Mullion School, Meaver Road, Mullion (7am–10pm)

Folly Field Car Park in Marazion is temporarily closed due to strong winds. We’ll review this hourly and reopen as soon as it’s safe. Safety remains our top priority. We’re also delivering bottled water daily to Priority Services customers.

We know not everyone can access updates online, so we’re sharing information through local TV and radio, and our customer service teams are on site supporting communities.

Watch the video below: Sam Bottomley, our Water Services Director for Devon and Cornwall gives us an example of the scale of the damage and the work needed to restore water supplied. Please also see a range of photos of the storm damage and our team on the ground supporting customers in very challenging conditions.

While Storm Goretti was beyond anyone’s control, our Customer Promise applies:

• £50 for the first 12 hours without water
• £50 for every additional 12-hour period
  You don’t need to do anything—credits will be applied automatically and shown on your next bill. Learn more: www.southwestwater.co.uk/customer-promise

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these difficult conditions. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we have more news.

Social 1

As our teams work to repair six major water mains in the Helston area damaged by Storm Goretti, we’re aware that ongoing power outages are creating additional challenges for customers. We also know that not everyone can access updates online, so we’re doing everything we can to share information through local TV and radio, ensuring everyone knows where to find bottled water and the latest news.

Here, Sam Bottomley, Director of Water Services for Devon, and David Harris, National Water Services MD, take a short break from investigating the storm damage to share the latest update with BBC Spotlight.

Socials 2

The devastation caused by Storm Goretti is truly shocking. These photos from Wendron Treatment works show trees completely uprooted, tearing through our pipes in the process. This damage has left us with six major water mains in the Helston area still to repair, which continues to affect water supplies. Our teams are working tirelessly to restore service as quickly as possible, but intermittent power cuts are adding to the challenge.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these difficult conditions. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we have more news.

Socials 3

Meet Sam Bottomley, our Water Services Director for Devon and Cornwall. Today, Sam has been on the ground assessing the severe damage caused by Storm Goretti.

He explains how up to 40 trees were blown over—many landing directly on top of the water main coming out of our Wendron Water Treatment Works. As these trees fell, their roots pulled the pipe from the ground, snapping it in two places.

This is just one of six major repairs our teams are tackling right now, highlighting the scale of the challenge we’re facing.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work at pace to restore your water supplies.

For ongoing updates please visit www.southwestwater.co.uk

Social 4

Helston Water Update - Our bottled water stations are open

To support customers, we currently have two bottled water stations open:

• Old Flambards Car Park, Helston, TR13 8BN (W3W: erupted.overjoyed.panthers) – Open 24 hours
• Mullion School, Meaver Road, Mullion, TR12 7EB (W3W: enrolling.stopwatch.visions) – Open 7am–10pm

Unfortunately, due to strong winds and safety concerns, we’ve had to temporarily close the Folly Field Car Park, Marazion station. This decision wasn’t taken lightly, but customer and colleague safety is our top priority.

We’ll review the situation hourly and update you as soon as it’s safe to reopen. We know this is inconvenient and truly appreciate your patience and understanding while we keep everyone safe

We’re also delivering bottled water daily to our Priority Services customers. If you haven’t received your delivery yet, our teams are on their way and will work into the evening to reach everyone.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these difficult conditions. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we have more news.

Social 5

We’re incredibly sorry for the ongoing interruption to water supplies in Helston and the surrounding area, and the inconvenience it has caused.  At South West Water, we’re committed to providing a reliable service, and we know how important water is to your daily life.

As part of putting things right, we will be crediting affected customers in line with our Customer Promise:

• £50 for the first 12 hours without water
• £50 for every additional 12-hour period

You don’t need to do anything, your credit will be applied automatically and reflected on your next bill. We’ll also write to eligible customers to confirm this

Learn more about our Customer Promise here [www.southwestwater.co.uk/customer-promise]

SMS/VB 1

Hello. This is South West Water. For those customers out of water following Storm Goretti we still have two bottled water stations open at Old Flambards Car Park in Helston and Mullion School in Mullion. Unfortunately, due to strong winds and safety concerns, we’ve had to temporarily close the Folly Field Car Park, Marazion station. As soon as this site is re-open we will let you know.