Southern Water share details of this new free ‘Beachbuoy’ service to check water quality. Ed
To coincide with the summer holidays, Southern Water announce the launch of ‘Beachbuoy’ – a free portal which allows people to check in on coastal water quality
This is part of the company’s drive to ensure clear, transparent information is provided to its customers.
The free, voluntary service will enable people to access the most up-to-date information on whether Southern Water’s wastewater operations may be affecting bathing water quality.
Paul Linwood, wastewater policy manager at Southern Water, said:
“We’re really pleased to be able to offer this service. The overflows in wastewater network protect homes and businesses from flooding during heavy rain.
“It’s important that we let people know when a release has occurred, so they can make an informed decision about whether or not to go into the water.”
Ventnor included in pilot
At the moment the system is being piloted at the two main harbours in Southern Water’s region, which are used as recreational waters, and a small selection of bathing waters:
- Ventnor (Isle of Wight)
- Langstone Harbour
- Chichester Harbour
- Hill Head (Fareham, Hampshire)
- Bexhill (Sussex)
- Joss Bay (Thanet, Kent)
Linwood added,
“Once the system is up and running and we have carried out all the necessary checks and tests, we plan to add more bathing waters in the near future.”
How coastal water can be affected
During or following rainfall water companies, including Southern Water, sometimes release heavily-diluted wastewater into watercourses and coastal waters to prevent flooding of streets and homes inland.
These storm-water releases occur during or after heavy rain and are permitted by the Environment Agency.
Coastal water quality can also be affected by rainwater running off roads and industrial or agricultural land, wastewater from privately-owned treatment works, boats and animals, such as dogs or seabirds, on the beach.
£millions invested
Recent years have seen Southern Water invest millions on its wastewater network in order to reduce its impact on bathing water quality, as well as launching a campaign with the Environment Agency, called Beauty of the Beach, to raise awareness what affects bathing water quality and the simple steps we can all take to help protect it.
In addition, in 2016 Southern Water launched its ground-breaking, £31.5m bathing water enhancement investment programme – which identified key bathing waters across the region, carried out through investigations into what was causing water quality issues and then set out a plan to collaborate with those with the power to fix them.
Image: ronsaunders47 under CC BY 2.0
