The Environment Agency is taking a serious stance following recent sewage spills at Exmouth beach, prompting potential legal action against South West Water.
A sewer pipe burst near the Maer Lane wastewater treatment facility on August 14, leading to warnings against swimming at the popular beach.
The Agency indicated it is closely monitoring the situation and applying pressure on South West Water to maintain water quality for beachgoers.
South West Water (SWW) emphasized its collaborative efforts with regulators, assuring the public they are kept fully informed.
Despite acknowledging some repairs, the Environment Agency is not satisfied with SWW's handling of pollution events.
Clarissa Newell, from the Environment Agency, expressed disappointment over yet another incident disrupting the holiday season.
"This has impacted local businesses reliant on tourism, and we are prepared to explore all enforcement options," she said, stressing the need for improvements to infrastructure.
This drainage issue is having ripple effects on local tourism, with businesses reporting decreased foot traffic.
Local MP David Reed has sought dialogue with SWW to push for expedited infrastructure improvements, underscoring the urgency of the problem.
Since his appointment, Reed highlighted the troubling frequency of sewage spills, raising concerns about their impact on Exmouth's economy.
Residents and local stakeholders have voiced discontent on social media, calling for stronger measures against water firms responsible for these spills.
Notably, communities previously affected by similar problems with South West Water are wary of the company's record.
Environmental advocates have rallied support for accountability from water companies, advocating for stricter regulations.
SWW stated they've implemented temporary fixes to the burst sewer and are working tirelessly to execute permanent repairs.
Meanwhile, the Agency remains vigilant, actively inspecting the beach regularly for any signs of pollution.
They encourage the public to utilize resources like the Swimfo platform for up-to-date bathing water quality information.
Following the actions taken, lifeguards have been instructing beach visitors to avoid entering the water until the situation stabilizes.
The disheartening sight of empty beach chairs on what should be vibrant summer days only adds to the frustration felt by the community.
Residents expressed their grievances through local channels, demanding accountability from their water suppliers.
Geoff Crawford of the ESCAPE group aptly summed up the community's sentiment, anticipating proactive measures from the Environment Agency.
"We know they have the powers to take enforcement action,” said Crawford, highlighting hopes for tangible changes.
The situation is exacerbated by previous incidents, including the alarming outbreak of cryptosporidium contamination earlier this summer.
This led to directives for residents to boil their water for safety, drawing additional scrutiny to South West Water's reliability.
Local businesses adversely affected by the recent beach closures have started voicing their grievances, indicating they may seek compensation.
"This current event with South West Water needs to end ASAP, as it directly harms our local economy," Reed insisted.
Residents remain hopeful for effective action from both the Environment Agency and South West Water to prevent future occurrences.
This latest scenario loops back to broader discussions about water management and environmental accountability.
With communities uniting to advocate for clean waters, the future actions of South West Water and regulators like the Environment Agency will be under intense public scrutiny.
