Southern Water dumped sewage 16,688 times in our seas, harbours and rivers last year

New figures released by the Environment Agency show that Southern Water discharged sewage into waterways a staggering 16,688 times last year, lasting 146,819 hours.

The Conservatives allow water companies to discharge raw sewage all along our coastline following a storm. This includes sewage being pumped into bathing water areas and wildlife habitats.

Paul Gray, spokesperson for Havant Liberal Democrats, has called for a ban on these sewage discharges in protected waters, as well as a ban on water company executives being paid multi-million-pound bonuses.

The Liberal Democrats recently revealed water companies breached their sewage permits over 500 times last year, double compared to the previous year.

The Lib Dems are calling on the Conservatives to end sewage dumping in seas and rivers, and to put a sewage tax on water companies’ profits.

Both Langstone and Chichester Harbours regularly experience discharges. Both locals and visitors frequently complain of becoming unwell as a direct cause of the polluted waters from swimming in the area.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Havant, Paul Gray, said:

“These figures are a damning verdict on the Conservative Party’s attempt, or rather lack of attempt, to stop Southern Water dumping sewage into our waterways.

“Local people are furious that our swimming locations and previous wildlife habitats have become poisoned with raw sewage. The Conservatives just don't seem to care. I think it’s time the Environment Secretary resigned and was replaced with somebody who actually cares about our seas.

“It’s time Ministers got tough with Southern Water. They are raking in massive profits, all whilst destroying the environment. Frankly, the whole thing stinks.

“I will continue my campaign to save our seas from these sewage discharges. I know locals are demanding action to end this environmental scandal. All across our borough, locals are disgusted. And they’re absolutely right to be.”

Please sign our petition to Stop Sewage Dumping