Devon residents launch DartWatch, a live map that tracks River Dart sewage spills, flags repeat hotspots and shows council action plans to improve water quality.

Residents of Devon's River Dart have launched an online platform that maps sewage spills in real time and flags repeat pollution hotspots.

How the platform works

The website, called DartWatch, lets users upload photos, GPS coordinates and timestamps when a spill occurs. An automated map then displays each report as a colored pin. Pins turn red after three separate reports within a month, highlighting areas that experience frequent contamination.

Data are aggregated into a public dashboard that shows where improvement work is planned and where no action has been announced. The system pulls information from the water utility’s incident logs, but it also records community observations that may not appear in official records.

Community response

"We wanted a tool that shows what’s happening now, not just yearly reports," said Sarah Collins, a homeowner who lives near the riverbank in South Dartmoor. "When we see a spill on the map, we can alert the council immediately and keep pressure on them to act."

Local environmental group EcoWatch UK praised the initiative. "Transparent data empowers the community and forces faster action," said James Patel, EcoWatch director. "It also provides a clear evidence base for legal challenges if the utility fails to meet its obligations."

Council reaction

Devon County Council confirmed it is reviewing the data supplied by DartWatch. "The council is reviewing the data and will prioritize upgrades where the platform shows chronic issues," said council spokesperson Mark Hughes. "We appreciate the public’s involvement and will integrate the information into our asset management plan."

The council also noted that some reported spills occur during heavy rain, when combined sewer overflows discharge untreated water. It said a separate investment programme aims to separate stormwater from sewage networks over the next five years.

Utility provider South West Water has not yet commented on the platform’s findings. The company’s last public statement, released in March, pledged to reduce combined sewer overflows by 30 percent by 2028.

Since its launch in early September, DartWatch has logged more than 150 incidents, with three locations accounting for over half of the reports. Residents hope the visibility will accelerate remedial work and restore the river’s reputation as a clean recreation spot.