After extensive promotion within The Looker, the ongoing controversy surrounding Southern Water and illegal discharges into the sea finally appears to be making some progress. Southern Water is set to be questioned over the quality of Kent’s coastal waters, as frustrated residents voice their concerns.
Do-not-swim warnings affecting local beaches are set to be discussed at a Folkestone & Hythe District Council meeting on 24th September.
One swimmer, Diana Ward, told BBC South East that waste in the water had given her stomach bugs.
She said: “I’ve changed the way I swim. I like front crawl, but I now keep my head up. You can see obvious pollution and things floating about.”
This highlights one of the growing concerns about coastal water contamination: the immediate and dangerous impact on human health. Raw sewage entering the sea is particularly hazardous because it contains harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These can lead to various illnesses, from mild skin infections to serious gastrointestinal diseases. Norovirus, a highly contagious virus often linked to raw sewage contamination, is one of the most common and severe threats.
Norovirus, sometimes referred to as the “winter vomiting bug,” is particularly concerning due to its ability to spread rapidly in environments like beaches, where contaminated water can come into contact with swimmers and spread via contaminated surfaces or water droplets. Even small amounts of sewage can introduce this virus, which can lead to violent bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea, severe dehydration, and in extreme cases, hospitalisation. Symptoms often last for several days, disrupting daily life and potentially causing longer-term health complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or young children.
Environmental Impact and Public Health Concerns
Raw sewage in the water can have a devastating environmental impact, contaminating marine ecosystems. Wastewater from sewage discharge contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which, in excessive amounts, contribute to harmful algal blooms. These blooms not only disrupt marine life but also deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to ‘dead zones’ where marine creatures struggle to survive. Moreover, plastics and solid waste carried by sewage can further pollute the coastline, harming sea birds and other wildlife.
Southern Water’s illegal discharges are part of a wider national problem, as water companies face increasing scrutiny for polluting Britain’s seas and rivers. In recent years, a combination of antiquated sewage systems and stormwater overflows has led to growing frustration among environmental activists and coastal communities. The public health concerns related to this are significant. Exposure to sewage can lead to infections, from ear and eye infections to respiratory and gastrointestinal issues.
The water company, the Environment Agency, Kent County Council, and the Romney Marsh Area of the Inland Drainage Board will participate in the council meeting.
In 2023, the Environment Agency issued swimming warnings at St Mary’s Bay and Littlestone. In August, the agency confirmed that the warnings would remain in place until at least 2025.
District Councillor David Wimble said: “Tourism is one of the biggest contributors to our district’s economy, and it is estimated that it brings in nearly £40 million a year. I just don’t think this Green Council is taking it seriously. Every council meeting, the Leader tells us he is holding meetings about setting up meetings, but it really isn’t good enough. It will be on his watch when shops start closing down.”
Wimble’s statement highlights the significant economic repercussions that polluted water can have. Coastal towns like those in Kent rely heavily on tourism, particularly during the summer months. Beachgoers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts contribute massively to the local economy. When tourists cancel bookings, as seen with hotel owner Deano Johnson’s experience, it threatens not only individual businesses but the entire economic structure of these towns.
Hotel owner Deano Johnson expressed concerns about the swimming ban’s impact on his business. Johnson, who owns three hotels in Littlestone, said he has seen cancellations and a drop in visitors.
He explained: “I can give you one example of a surfer who had planned to stay here. He works from home and would have been swimming and surfing regularly—it’s what he loves to do. He made a reservation, but when he found out about the water quality, he cancelled.”
Southern Water’s Efforts to Resolve the Crisis
Southern Water responded that it is working hard to identify the source of the contaminants and to make the bathing water safe. However, residents and local business owners remain sceptical. Despite the company’s assurances, many feel that the slow pace of action has failed to address the urgent risks posed to both public health and the local economy.
Nick Mills, Director of Environment Innovation, said they are working on connecting some leaky private cesspits to their sewers, among other solutions.
He said: “In St Mary’s Bay, we take additional samples with the Environment Agency to determine the source. In this case, we found a strong correlation with seabird markers. We’re working in partnership to understand where the contamination could be coming from and to take steps to reduce it.”
While seabirds can contribute to pollution in coastal areas, it is the raw sewage discharge that remains the most dangerous. The potential health risks posed by faecal bacteria, including E. coli and other gastrointestinal viruses, make these polluted waters particularly hazardous. The Environment Agency’s guidelines on swimming safety suggest that even brief exposure to contaminated water can cause sickness, underlining the need for long-term solutions from water companies like Southern Water.
Ahead of the council meeting, the Port of Dover announced that the Environment Agency had notified it of a sewage risk near Shakespeare Beach. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the port stated that samples were being taken for external testing and access to the water was being restricted in case tides brought sewage into the harbour.
The post added: “Daily water testing will continue until we can ensure the beach can be safely reopened.”
In conclusion, the ongoing saga of sewage pollution in Kent’s coastal waters is a stark reminder of the environmental and health crises created by poor waste management. From gastrointestinal illnesses such as norovirus to long-term damage to local economies, this issue affects not just swimmers and tourists but entire communities. Southern Water, along with regulatory bodies, must act swiftly and transparently to restore public confidence, protect marine environments, and ensure that Kent’s beaches remain a safe and vital part of the local economy.