In 2022 South West Water pumped 1,990 hours of untreated sewage into Cornish bathing waters. 

Water companies like South West Water are currently permitted by the government to release SOME untreated sewage into our waters during stormy weather, via the use of CSO’s (combined storm overflows). 

However this system is evidently failing and overused, as South West Water continues to let dangerous amounts of untreated human waste seep into our busy beaches, no matter the weather. 

Due to these sewage spills, last year the water quality of many of our favourite Cornish surf and swim spots was deemed dangerously poor, not by the water companies who should be carrying out legitimate checks, but by separate organisations. 

This resulted in many locals and holidaymakers falling ill. 

In every cubic metre of the untreated wastewater pumped into our seas exist millions of infectious microorganisms that pose serious health risks to unsuspecting bathers. 

By swimming in areas contaminated by South West Water an inexcusable number of people have reported suffering from illnesses such as gastroenteritis, bladder infections, sinus infections, skin rashes, and conjunctivitis. Additionally, exposure to contaminated water can further lead to blood poisoning, and life-threatening cases of Leptospirosis, a disease affecting the lungs and kidneys. 

This cocktail of harmful bacterias, viruses, microplastics and chemicals, released into our beaches is not only posing a threat to human health, but also to the lives and wellbeing of coastal ecosystems and our marine wildlife. South West Water continues to pump raw waste into protected coastal areas, and shows no remorse for the direct harm they’re causing to vital seagrass habitats and chalk reefs, as well as a multitude of marine wildlife such as seals, crabs, and an array of fish species. 

We want to see a change. We need to see a change. And this change is imperative to the survival of our coastal communities. 

We want the government and its relevant subsidiaries to start carrying out regular, in-depth investigations into South West Water’s abuse of the CSO systems. Currently these checks are not rigorously taking place, meaning water companies are getting away with unlawful sewage discharge, and illegal dry-spills. 

We additionally require the government to reconsider the CSO laws currently in place, and are calling for them to entirely ban water companies, starting with South West Water, from pumping any untreated sewage into our oceans. 

Cornwall is widely known as one of the most beautiful parts of the U.K., and all who live here make every effort to preserve the coastlines and its wildlife. However, we’re sick of South West Water’s continuous failure to treat our home with the same respect. How can their CEO grant herself a £1 million bonus with a clear conscience, whilst racking up our water bills and pumping untreated human waste into the beaches that so many of us love to visit?

Please sign the petition, and help us protect our ocean, and all who rely upon it. 

It’s time to stop this shit storm.