back to all posts
Sick of all the sh*t?
We were outraged to see nearly 50 pollution alerts across beaches in England and Wales last week. The government tells us these sewage discharges are a necessity when managing drainage capacity during torrential rain. But this is becoming an all too common excuse, allowing them to continue releasing untreated water into our rivers and seas.
If it’s not rain, it’s “significant electrical issues at pumping stations”. Or… we find out that some water companies haven’t even installed the devices needed to effectively monitor their own sewage discharges. Oh and the water company bosses are getting bonuses despite missing sewage pollution targets. It’s truly disgraceful.
Report pollution
If you come across untreated water being discharged into your swim spot (or anywhere!), take pictures or a video and contact the Environment Agency (EA) Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60. Once the incident is reported they have to investigate it – that’s where the images come in handy.Support the good folks
Surfers Against Sewage are doing fantastic work campaigning for better water quality. You can donate your time or money to help them with their work.www.sas.org.uk
The Rivers Trust love our rivers just as much as we do, cleaning up and restoring waterways and building climate resilience.
theriverstrust.org
Speak up for Rivers
Surfers Against Sewage are calling for the UK Government and the devolved administrations to set legally binding targets to increase the number of Official River Bathing Waters in the UK and work with regulators and communities to ensure the target is delivered.Sign the petition:
sas.org.uk/bathingriverspetition
Check you local water quality
Download SAS’s Safer Seas & Rivers Service to get up to date information on the water quality at your local swim spot.
More information:
sas.org.uk/safer-seas-service
Desktop map:
sas.org.uk/map
Other links:
English beach sewage dumps not monitored properly, data shows
BBC News
bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-62626774
Bonuses for water bosses in England up 20% last year despite sewage failures
The Guardian
theguardian.com/business/2022/aug/19/bonuses-for-water-bosses-in-england-up-20-last-year-despite-sewage-failures
Sewage monitors faulty at seaside spots in England and Wales, data shows
The Guardian
theguardian.com/environment/2022/aug/22/seaside-sewage-monitors-england-environment-agency
Sewage hits dozens of beaches in England and Wales after heavy rain
BBC News
bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-62574105
Map graphic: Surfers Against Sewage
Mailing List
Keep informed of future Swim Feral projects and products. We promise we will only contact you when we have something we are proud to share.