In a recent visit to Southern Water to assess plans to tackle odours and spills I was shown the 'Beachbuoy' monitors. I often receive bulk campaign templates from constituents who have received alerts from Surfers Against Sewage, who I am absolutely supportive of. However, on some occasions their 'alerts' have been set of by sea creatures and motion, having had this confirmed, I call on the group to rectify their website to ensure transparent recordings!
The Government are also doing their bit to improve water quality and have committed to ensuring that by the end of the year, 100% of storm outflows will be monitored. While there was a 19% reduction in the number of spills compared to 2021 – from 372,533 to 301,091, I know that the Government is ensuring further improvements and action against water companies, failing to comply with target and regulations are held accountable. In addition the average number of monitored spills per overflow has reduced from 29 in 2021 to 23 in 2022.
