The water firm is in the process of drawing up a programme to secure the future of the works, which will include its operation and maintenance.
Environment officer Nigel Thomas-Childs said: “The residents have been very patient but I am pleased to say that our actions and those of South West Water have prevented a pollution incident and have now secured the future of this works.”
SWW wastewater operations manager Nick Murch said: “We already own and operate over 650 sewage treatment works across the region. By adopting the works at Sideling Close we can ensure that it is properly maintained for the benefit of our customers and the local environment.”
The works serves 23 houses and discharges treated wastewater to the River Kenn in Devon.
When its private owner went into administration, the works became the property of The Crown Estate.
Without maintenance there would have been a risk of the river becoming polluted, so the Environment Agency continued to visit the site, often with the assistance of SWW, to keep it going.
SWW has now taken full ownership of the works and will be responsible for its operation and maintenance.