I'm a water expert… here are the signs you're swimming in sewage and action you must take | The Sun

A WATER expert has revealed the signs you could be swimming through raw sewage.

Stuart Davies, Surfers Against Sewage regional rep for Brighton, said bathers should never assume the water will be clean.


He said key signs to look out for are "debris", "floaters" and "an exceptional stink".

Once surrounded by dirty water swimmers should "get yourself out" and "keep your mouth shut", he said.

Mr Davies appeared on ITV Tonight's Britain's Dirty Water: What Went Wrong?

He added: "If you are actually out there when a sewage spill goes out, you’ll first notice debris, you'll notice floaters.

Read More On UK Beaches

Best beach in the UK revealed – with perfect golden sands & it’s so kid-friendly

Urgent health warning issued at 54 UK beaches… is your nearest on the list?

"And then there'll be an exceptional stink. And you know, you suddenly realise that you're in the middle of a sea of sewage.

“It's disgusting and you're also concerned for your health.” 

Local water firm Southern Water, which serves 700 miles of coastline, discharged sewage into rivers and seas for more than 146,000 hours last year.

Stuart added: “Can you see if there's a slick on the water? Generally if it's brown, it's gonna be algae. If it's grey, it's probably sewage. And then does it smell? You can smell sewage.

Most read in The Sun

FOOTIE THUG

Footballer, 21, who boasted of 'big things coming' jailed for vicious assaults

MEGA LOVE

Harry & Meg put on united front in cosy vid after claim they’re taking time apart

CAKE GATE

Corrie's Catherine Tyldesley hits back in row over 'asking baker for freebies'

WEATHER ALERT

'Thunderfever' puts millions at risk of fatal attacks – the 4 signs to know

“Any of those scenarios don't go in or get yourself out. And it's also a good idea to keep your mouth shut.” 

A total of 91 out of 420 bathing beaches warned the public not to go in the sea on September 8, 2022, according to an investigation for ITV's Tonight programme.

The warnings came because water containing a mix of sewage and rainwater was pumped out due to heavy rains overwhelming drainage.

Southern Water told Tonight the last stormwater release in Brighton was in 2015, and that there were no releases in 2022 which impacted bathing water quality. 

It adds that it has significantly cut down storm overflow activity across the region.

It comes after an urgent warning was issued for swimmers as they're told to stay out of the water at a popular tourist beach.


Source: Read Full Article

Previous post Britney Spears' ex-husband Jason Alexander arrested for stalking
Next post Trump dined with Fox News executives after learning of federal charges