Worthing West MP Seeks Urgent Meeting with Southern Water over Water Pollution Concerns
A growing concern over water pollution at Worthing Beach House has prompted Beccy Cooper, MP for Worthing West, to seek an urgent meeting with Southern Water. The bathing water site, located near Splashpoint Leisure Centre, was designated as having poor water quality by the Environment Agency last year, advising against swimming in the area.
According to The Argus, Ms Cooper has expressed "deep concerns" over the water quality, describing it as "extremely poor". In a statement, she said: "I know that Worthing Borough Council have worked hard to achieve bathing water status by recruiting volunteer ‘citizen scientists’ to monitor pollution levels at this and other sites, only to find that the water off Beach House in particular is of such a poor quality that the public are advised not to swim in it." (The Argus)
The MP’s concerns are centred around the repeated pollution incidents that continue to impact public health and the coastal environment, particularly as the busy bathing season approaches. She has requested that Southern Water provide detailed information on the causes of the recent decline in water quality, as well as immediate and long-term measures being taken to prevent further pollution events. Ms Cooper has also called for improved transparency from Southern Water, with more open and regular communication with the public, especially during the summer season.
A The Argus investigation has found that the Environment Agency has noted that the likely main source of contamination at Worthing Beach House is "urban diffuse pollution entering through the surface water system". This highlights the importance of Southern Water’s misconnections team, which tracks down loos and washing machines wrongly connected to surface water drains instead of the sewer system. The team plays a vital role in improving bathing water quality.
In response to Ms Cooper’s concerns, a spokesman for Southern Water said: "We’re pleased that Dr Cooper shares our concern for bathing water quality and we have been in contact to arrange a meeting to discuss how bathing water quality can be improved." The spokesman also noted that there are many causes of contamination in bathing water, including agricultural and road runoff, wildlife, and human behaviour on the beach.
Southern Water has assured that they are investing in sewer investigations and rehabilitation where needed. However, Ms Cooper remains concerned and has requested a formal written response on the issue and suggested an urgent meeting to discuss this and other matters further. As reported by The Argus, the meeting will aim to address the public’s concerns and provide reassurance that Southern Water is taking necessary steps to prevent further pollution events.
The issue of water pollution at Worthing Beach House has sparked concern among locals and visitors alike. As the bathing season approaches, it is essential that Southern Water takes immediate action to address the issue and ensure the water quality meets the required standards. The Argus will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
As stated in The Argus, Ms Cooper’s concerns over water pollution are not limited to Worthing Beach House. She has expressed a desire to see improved transparency from Southern Water and more open communication with the public. The MP’s efforts to hold Southern Water accountable for their actions have been welcomed by locals, who are eager to see improvements in the water quality.
The water quality at Worthing Beach House is a significant concern for public health and the environment. According to The Argus, the Environment Agency’s designation of the site as having poor water quality is a clear indication that action is needed. Southern Water’s response to the issue will be crucial in determining the future of the bathing water site.
In an effort to address the issue, Southern Water has highlighted the importance of their misconnections team. The team works to identify and rectify incorrect connections between properties and the sewer system, which can contribute to water pollution. By investing in sewer investigations and rehabilitation, Southern Water aims to improve bathing water quality and prevent further pollution events.
The situation at Worthing Beach House serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our environment and public health. As reported by The Argus, the issue of water pollution is a complex one, requiring a multifaceted approach to resolve. Southern Water’s commitment to improving bathing water quality and preventing pollution events is essential in ensuring the well-being of locals and visitors alike.
The article has sourced information from:
https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/25203634.worthing-west-mp-concerned-water-pollution-beach/
