The conservation bodies' calls are part of water price reviews

The Environment Agency and English Nature say there are more than 800 sites across the South West region which need improvement.

South West Water was named by the Environment Agency in July as a "significant repeat offender" for pollution incidents in 2002.

The company was prosecuted for 14 pollution incidents last year, the second highest number for a water firm, and fined a total of �46,000.

The Environment Agency and English Nature have been setting out their priorities for water industry investment as part of a review of water company prices.

Sewage overflows

They say they want action to reduce the impact of discharges into rivers and coastal waters, protection of wildlife sites and measures to counter the over abstraction of water.

It is also hoped that the frequency of storm sewage overflows into rivers can be reduced, as is currently the case with the River Umber at Combe Martin in Devon.

The Environment Agency said the investment would be more than offset by the social benefits it would bring.

South West Water said any spending needs to be looked at very carefully to ensure it remains affordable.