Three months ago, questions were being asked about spillages along the River – especially at the Ham:
How much sewage is ending up in the Sid? – The Sid
Since then, more questions are being asked as more data becomes available.
Surfers Against Sewage this week have pointed to the latest data:
Home – Surfers Against Sewage • Water Quality Report 2022
South West Water discharging illegal sewage – Radio Exe
Water companies dumping sewage during dry weather, SAS report finds | Water | The Guardian
Which has been responded to by the water industry:
Southern Water hits back at claims it has dumped sewage illegally | The Argus
Water chiefs blame UK government for failure to stop sewage pollution | Pollution | The Guardian
However, people are getting sick in river waters:
Wild swimmers are getting sick from sewage, campaigners say – BBC News
Including the River Culm, according to Honiton’s MP:
MP Calls For Sewage Crack Down After Son Became Sick Swimming In River
Now the EA’s powers to monitor water companies have been curtailed:
Fury as water companies ‘allowed to mark own homework’ on beach sewage checks
Meanwhile, it has been reported that SWW are closing the Esplanade for ten days from 9th January to inspect and clean the sewers:
Site search – Sidmouth – southwestwater.co.uk
Although what the priorities for SWW’s parent company are when it comes to spending money are not clear:
Pennon appoints execs from The Restaurant Group and Post Holdings to board – Business Live