Steve Darling MP Leads Call for South West Water to Share Sewage Alert Data with Surfers Against Sewage

Steve Darling MP Leads Call for South West Water to Share Sewage Alert Data with Surfers Against Sewage

Today (Monday 13th January) Steve Darling MP, along with Liberal Democrat MPs from across Devon and Cornwall, have written to the CEO of South West Water (SWW) seeking a more trustworthy system and methodologies for independent monitoring of river and coastal water quality.

They have urged SWW to enhance its collaboration with Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) by sharing sewage alert data.

SAS provides a crucial public service through its sewage discharge alerts. However, limited data sharing from SWW has hindered SAS's ability to operate as effectively as possible. Access to comprehensive, real-time data ensures that water users are properly informed and that water safety alerts are consistent across platforms.  

In the letter, the MPs call for full data access and the development of a collaborative framework between SWW and SAS. This partnership would aim to rebuild public trust in SWW, citing the successful collaboration between Welsh Water and SAS as a positive example.

Steve Darling MP said:

"Sharing this data with SAS is in everyone's best interest. Given recent sewage dumping scandals, the cryptosporidium outbreak, and the upset caused by the Seasonal Tariff Trials, SWW's reputation in Devon and Cornwall has suffered.

"By working collaboratively with SAS, as outlined in the letter, SWW can take a significant step toward restoring trust and rebuilding its relationship with the public." 

Note: A picture of Steve with Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage featured above.