Richard Foord MP calls for transparent monitoring of sewage spills

Mr Foord spoke in a Parliamentary debate on Wednesday 27 November (see attachment) where he raised the issue of spills at Sidmouth.  He will meet Susan Davy, the Chief Executive of South West Water in early December.

Aside from the unacceptable level of spills at Sidmouth, local residents are frustrated that there is a discrepancy between reports listed on Water UK’s Stormwater Hub, and the data available on South West Water’s Waterfit Live map.

According to the Rivers Trust, in 2023 Sidmouth’s sewer storm overflow spilled 96 times for a total of 1,554 hours.

Reporting measures differed during Storm Bert in late November, for example.

Water UK’s National Storm Overflow Hub showed that on Friday 22 November at 11.30am, sewage was spilling at sea in Sidmouth.  On Monday 25 November at 7.45pm, the same source showed Sidmouth was still 'spilling' at sea.

Yet SWW's Waterfit Live map indicated that the discharge started Saturday 23 November 10.49am and ended at 7.38pm the same day.

SWW reporting measures lack transparency

Mr Foord said: “It is essential that we have a single reliable source of information in order to significantly improve water quality.  However, SWW's Waterfit Live map lacks transparency, as it displays information about discharges from the two Sidmouth outlets in just one location.  Water UK clearly distinguishes both sites on its hub.

“SWW is currently upgrading Sidmouth’s sewerage system, reducing infiltration by repairing pipes and relining some. This will reduce the volume of surface water reaching the sewers. This is welcome and is very much needed.

“However, the problem of sewage in our river and coastal waters continues to be unacceptable.  It is essential that we have a trusted a reliable reporting measure, if bathers are to have confidence that the sea is safe, the health of life within our rivers and coastal waters is to improve and we are properly able to hold water companies to account.”

Mr Foord, who has since written to Environment Minister Emma Hardy about the issue, added: “Unfortunately, South West Water’s reporting does not appear to be entirely transparent. I am sure that people in and around the towns of Sidmouth, Seaton and Beer - and inhabitants of coastal towns across the country - would appreciate Government leadership on having one reliable comprehensive reporting measure for sewage spills.”