A water company has said it’s “very sorry” about a sewage leak that’s sparked a ‘don’t swim’ alert at a popular beach during peak holiday season.
People are being advised to avoid the sea at Exmouth in Devon after a pipe burst at a nearby pumping station.
The Environment Agency has warned people to stay out the water, while the local council is also advising against swimming.
Sky’s Dan Whitehead said yellow signs had been put up on Sunday and lifeguards were using a loudspeaker to urge people to avoid the sea.
The problem was first reported on Wednesday, and on Saturday evening South West Water said it was “working around the clock” to fix the problem at Maer Road pumping station.
On Sunday, it said a temporary fix had been completed and the pipe was up and running so planning could begin for a temporary repair, but tankers would remain on site as a precaution.
“We would like to thank residents and visitors for their patience, and we are sorry for the disruption caused throughout this event,” the company said in a statement.
Local people have used social media to hit out at the firm, as well as East Devon District Council.
“Somehow, SWW have got to be made to realise that discharging raw sewage into the sea when there has been no rainfall is simply not good enough,” said Keith Thompson on Facebook.
“Even if it is legal, they are not looking after a community that relies so heavily on tourism.”
Crissy Harris posted: “Raw sewage running down Maer Lane. Dead fish on the tide line, tankers in convoys through the centre of town. When is the EDDC going to step up!!!”
Others pointed to wider concerns over firms making money while delivering poor service and not doing enough to stop pollution.
“All they care about is their share price and they have to increase profits year on year,” claimed Matt Walmsley on Facebook.
“The only way they would clean up their act is if their share price is impacted.”
One woman, who was visiting from London on Sunday, told Sky News: “Look at the beach today, it’s ridiculous. The middle of August and there’s hardly anyone here.
“I think it’s really sad for the tourist trade, for the town, and for the people coming down for holiday.”
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Anger over water companies has grown as bills rise despite a doubling in sewage discharges in recent years and other problems with supply and leaks.
In May, South West Water – which announced increased profits this year – again apologised after at least 50 people caught a waterborne disease that causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
Three water companies are also facing a combined fine of £168m after a series of failings, including over sewage treatment.
Ofwat said Thames Water, Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water had “routinely released sewage into our rivers and seas, rather than ensuring that this only happens in exceptional circumstances as the law intends”.
Analysis of Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs data has also suggested sewage was dumped in rivers, lakes and beaches designated “safe to bathe in” an average of 86 times a day in 2023.
Meanwhile, Environment Agency figures showed untreated sewage discharges had doubled from 1.8 million hours in 2022 to a record 3.6 million in 2023.
