SAS to launch revolutionary sewage alerts
At the start of the bathing season, May the 15th, SAS will be launching a new real time sewage warning system that will tell you exactly when sewage is being discharged into the sea at key locations around the UK.
SAS have developed an online map that will automatically update you in real-time with information on combined sewer overflow (CSO) spills at surf spots. You’ll even be able to sign up for free text messages alerting you to sewage spills at some of our nation’s best beaches. This will give you the real-time water quality information to help protect yourself, your family and friends from any potential health risks associated with exposure to raw sewage.
SAS has been exposing sewers discharging raw sewage onto the UK’s coastline for years. In recent times, SAS has elevated this issue to the front pages of national newspapers, onto prime time national current affairs TV programmes and highlighted it to Government ministers.
True to SAS’s campaign ethos, they’ve always highlighted the problem whilst consistently promoting the solutions. The real-time CSO warning system is just that, part of the solution, giving you reasonable and adequate information, allowing you to make a more informed decision to avoid any short-term pollution incidents arising from the CSO’s that impact on your favourite beaches, bathing waters or surf spots.
SAS have targeted the water industry tirelessly on this issue, persuading them of the importance of sharing sewage discharge information in real time. This year, there will be between 40 and 60 beaches, represented by 4 water companies, participating in the scheme, and by 2015, we aim to have all of our important, affected beaches around the UK signed up. They’d like to thank South West Water, Southern Water, Welsh Water and Wessex Water for sharing this information on a voluntary basis and for their commitment to the project. We are looking to expand around the entire UK so watch this space and, in the meantime, check out the map.
Andy Cummins, SAS Campaign Director says: “This is great news for beach users. Finally we are being told about sewage discharges as they happen, allowing us to make informed decisions about how and when we use the sea.”
