A new analysis reveals South West Water is the worst-performing water company in England for environmental harm, with sewage discharges in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, and Somerset surpassing those of any other region. Friends of the Earth’s assessment highlights failures across six key areas, including frequent sewage spills, poor water quality at bathing sites, and widespread pollution incidents. The findings underscore growing public frustration, as swimmers in Brighton express outrage over persistent sea pollution tied to heavy rainfall. The report also examines broader ecological damage, with a significant portion of rivers in the region failing to meet basic health standards.
Exclusive: Friends of the Earth finds greatest sewage discharge in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset‘Tiny bit of rain and the sewage comes’: Brighton swimmers vent fury at sea pollutionSouth West Water is doing more harm to the environment than any other water company in England, according to new analysis, with more sewage discharged in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset than anywhere else.Friends of the Earth analysed water companies’ environmental performance in six categories: sewage spills, water quality at bathing sites, pollution incidents or warnings at bathing sites, severity of sewage pollution at bathing sites, the percentage of rivers rated below the standard for good ecological health, and the affordability of bills. Continue reading...
