Anger over sewage leak triggers 'no swimming' warning on Exmouth beach | UK news

A water company has said it was “very sorry” that a sewage leak occurred during peak season, leading to a bathing ban warning at a popular beach.

People are advised to avoid the sea at Exmouth. Devon after a pipe burst in a nearby pumping station.

The Environment Agency has issued a warning asking people to avoid the water and the local authority also advises against swimming.

The problem was reported on Wednesday evening and on Saturday evening South West Water said it was working “around the clock” to fix the problem at the Maer Road pumping station.

It was said that tankers would transport the wastewater away from the site and that an overhead pipeline had also been laid as a temporary solution.

However, it was admitted that it was “unable to keep up with the flow in the network and that the overflows were causing leaks”.

“We are very sorry that this has happened and understand that this is causing concern among customers and visitors to the area,” the company said on X.

Local residents took to social media to voice harsh criticism of the company and East Devon District Council.

“Somehow SWW needs to be made aware that dumping raw sewage into the sea when there has been no rain is simply not enough,” Keith Thompson said on Facebook.

“Even if it’s legal, they don’t care about a community that is so dependent on tourism.”

Crissy Harris posted: “Raw sewage running down Maer Lane. Dead fish on the flood line, tankers in convoys through the city centre. When will the EDDC finally intervene!!!”

Others pointed to broader concerns about companies making money while performing poorly and not doing enough to combat pollution.

“All they care about is their share price and they need to grow their profits year after year,” Matt Walmsley claimed on Facebook.

“They could only clean up their act if their share price suffered.”

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Anger with water companies is growing as bills continue to rise despite a doubling of sewage discharges in recent years and other problems with supplies and leaks.

In May, South West Water – the announced increased profits this year – again excused after At least 50 people fell ill with a water-borne disease which causes diarrhea and vomiting.

Three water companies also face a total fine of £168 million. after a series of failures, including excessive wastewater treatment.

Ofwat said Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water had “routinely discharged sewage into our rivers and seas rather than ensuring this only happens in exceptional circumstances, as the law requires”.

Analysis of data from the Department for Environment, Food and Agriculture has also shown that sewage was being discharged into rivers, lakes and beaches considered “safe for bathing”. an average of 86 times per day in 2023.

Meanwhile, figures from the Environmental Agency showed the discharge of untreated wastewater has doubled from 1.8 million hours in 2022 to a record 3.6 million in 2023.