- South West Water apologizes for sewage leak at Exmouth beach
- “Don’t swim” advisory issued; temporary fix completed, tankers remain
- Rising anger over sewage discharges as tourism and water quality suffer
South West Water says it has completed a temporary remedy, although tankers will stay on-site as a precaution.
A water company has apologized for a sewage leak that caused a ‘don’t swim’ advisory at a famous beach during the peak holiday season.
People are being told to avoid the sea at Exmouth, Devon after a pipe burst at a local pumping station.
The Environment Agency has told people to remain out of the water, and the local council has also advised against swimming.
Yellow signs were posted on Sunday, and lifeguards used a loudspeaker to warn people not to enter the sea.
The issue was first reported on Wednesday, and on Saturday evening, South West Water stated that it was “working around the clock” to resolve the problem at the Maer Road pump station.
On Sunday, it announced that a temporary patch had been done and the pipe was operational, allowing planning for a temporary repair to begin. However, tankers will stay on site as a precautionary measure.
The firm said in a statement that it appreciates residents’ and visitors’ patience and apologizes for the disturbance this event caused.
Locals have taken to social media to criticize the firm and East Devon District Council.
SWW must be made aware that releasing raw sewage into the sea in the absence of rainfall is just unacceptable, according to Keith Thompson on Facebook.
Even if it is legal, they are not protecting a community that is heavily reliant on tourists.
Crissy Harris wrote, “Raw sewage pouring down Maer Lane. Dead fish on the tide line, tankers in convoys through the town core. When will the EDDC step up!!!
Others raised broader worries about companies generating money while providing poor service and not doing more to reduce pollution.
“All they care about is their share price, and they must increase profits year after year,” alleged Matt Walmsley on Facebook.
They will only clean up their act if their share price falls.
One woman visiting from London on Sunday said, “Look at the beach today; it’s ridiculous.” It’s mid-August, and there’s hardly anyone here.
“Take a step towards financial freedom – claim your free Webull shares now!”
It would be incredibly terrible for the tourist industry, the town, and the people who come here for vacation.
Anger at water corporations has intensified as prices have risen despite a recent tripling in sewage discharges and other supply and leak issues.
South West Water, which announced increasing earnings this year, apologized again in May after at least 50 people became ill with a waterborne sickness that causes diarrhea and vomiting.
Three water providers also face a combined sanction of £168 million for various failures, including sewage treatment.
Ofwat stated that Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, and Northumbrian Water have habitually released sewage into our rivers and oceans rather than ensuring that this occurred only in extraordinary circumstances, as the law requires.
According to data from the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, sewage was thrown in rivers, lakes, and beaches certified as “safe to bathe in” an average of 86 times daily in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency reported that untreated sewage discharges had doubled from 1.8 million hours in 2022 to 3.6 million in 2023.
