Totnes mystery noise explained, but questions about the hum remain 

For around two years, residents across Totnes and surrounding areas have reported a persistent low-frequency humming or whirring sound, most noticeable during quieter hours and disruptive to sleep and peace of mind.

Reports have come from Bridgetown, Follaton, the town centre, and along the river as far as Dartington. Though not audible to everyone, those who could hear it consistently described a low mechanical hum, difficult to pin down but seemingly able to carry across wider parts of town under certain conditions. Over time, a number of residents independently tried to trace the source. Several ventured out during quiet evenings and reported the sound seemed strongest when heading towards the water treatment works on Newton Road, observations made separately and without any coordinated effort.

No official source has been confirmed, but the works have long been the prime suspect.

In the past week, a second and significantly louder noise began drawing widespread attention. Described variously as pulsing, whirring or alarm-like, it drew comparisons to industrial machinery, a reversing alarm, or a distant siren. Its different character caused confusion about whether it was linked to temporary activity such as roadworks.

Here is a recording from the Town Centre at 1:30am last Friday morning.

As reports multiplied, residents from different parts of town began comparing notes and sharing recordings online. Many independently placed its direction toward the treatment works. On Thursday evening, a Facebook group called What on Earth Is That Noise? (South Hams) was set up to pool accounts. It gathered reports relating to both the recent louder noise and the longer-running background hum, and for some residents it was the first time they became aware that others across Totnes had been experiencing similar sounds over an extended period.

South West Water has now confirmed the cause of the recent noise spike. A bearing failed on equipment at the Totnes treatment works and, while a replacement is on order, engineers fitted an older bearing to keep things running. When a bearing fails it can produce an increasingly loud, irregular mechanical sound as the worn component struggles under load, which explains both the character of the noise and why it became so much more noticeable. That temporary fix is the source of the louder sound now affecting residents.

The company hopes the new part will arrive by the end of next week, with installation expected to take a further couple of days, though it stressed the timetable cannot be guaranteed. The disruption could therefore continue for around ten days or more. Both the facility manager and South West Water have expressed their apologies to those affected.

What remains unresolved is whether the bearing fault is also connected to the two-year background hum. No official link has been established, though residents point to their repeated attempts to trace its direction as circumstantial evidence. South West Water has said that if the hum persists after the repair, it is willing to discuss the matter further with the council.

Anne Moore, who lives in Follaton, said: “Only heard it last three nights, up near Follaton Cemetery. It’s really, really annoying. I hope it’s a temporary thing?” She also shared screenshots from other local Facebook groups describing similar low-frequency noise complaints near sewage treatment works elsewhere, different locations but a recurring pattern.

Residents around Totnes have previously raised the long-running hum with South Hams District Council’s Environmental Health team, as well as with MP Caroline Voaden. In other areas, persistent noise from utility infrastructure has led to measures including acoustic enclosures around equipment, noise barriers, vibration isolation of machinery, or operational adjustments following investigation and sustained reporting, though outcomes depend on the source and the feasibility of engineering changes.

If the bearing replacement resolves both sounds, it will bring a welcome end to an issue that has troubled residents for some time. If not, it is expected that the Facebook group will remain a place to share observations and updates once the repair is complete.