Sewage Pollution: Legal Claim Expands Against South West Water Fails

Published: 26 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

A legal claim against South West Water over sewage pollution has now widened significantly. The focus of this claim, which began in Exmouth, targets alleged environmental failings harming coastal communities, local businesses, and individuals across Devon and Cornwall. Thousands more residents can now join the action, marking one of the first environmental group legal cases in the UK focused on water company pollution. The expansion reflects growing concern over repeated raw sewage discharges, which campaigners say have severely affected both natural habitats and public enjoyment of beaches.

Until recently, around 1,400 people from Exmouth, Lympstone, and Budleigh Salterton were part of the claim, but Leigh Day announced the action would now extend to Dawlish, Sidmouth, Teignmouth, Newquay, and Penzance. The legal team argues that South West Water’s failings are systemic, deeply embedded in multiple coastal towns, and not restricted to the original Exmouth area. Residents and business owners in affected locations have expressed frustration that the environmental damage has been ongoing for years without sufficient accountability or remedial action.

Tina Naldrett, a 62-year-old nurse from Dawlish, joined the claim after observing worsening pollution at her local beach. She described the experience of seeing raw sewage and sanitary waste in the water as deeply upsetting. “When the sea is clear, and you can see your feet, the sun is on your back and you hear the gulls, it is free magic,” she said. “But more often I take friends into the water and we see sanitary products floating past, the plastic from tampons, actual effluent and the foam from effluent. It is getting worse.” She emphasised that water companies do not own the sea, stressing that public access and environmental protection are both morally and ethically vital.

In 2024, South West Water reportedly discharged raw sewage for a total of 544,429 hours into the sea and coastal waters. Notably, an overflow at Salcombe Regis continued almost continuously for the year, making it the longest duration of sewage release among all storm overflow sites in England and Wales. Ofwat, the industry regulator, issued a £24 million enforcement penalty last July, highlighting systemic failures in wastewater treatment and sewer network operations dating back to at least 2017. The regulator noted that more than half of South West Water’s treatment plants were releasing raw sewage regularly, rather than only during exceptional circumstances such as extreme rainfall.

Spills via combined storm overflows are legally permissible only after such extreme events, intended to prevent system overload. However, persistent discharges beyond these conditions have raised significant environmental and public health concerns. Bathing alerts, beach closures, and general coastal contamination have disrupted local tourism and leisure activities, affecting businesses that rely on clean coastal waters for survival. The claim, initially launched in 2024, remains one of the few UK legal actions challenging a water company for repeated pollution.

Oliver Holland, representing the claimants, explained that the legal expansion ensures broader inclusion of those impacted by sewage pollution along Devon and Cornwall coastlines. “South West Water has a track record of very poor environmental performance, and my clients allege this has badly impacted their lives and livelihoods,” Holland stated. “By outlining my clients’ claims and expanding in this way, we are ensuring anyone who feels they have been impacted by sewage pollution in Dawlish, Sidmouth, Teignmouth, or at Longrock beach or Fistral beach in Cornwall, has the opportunity to take action.”

The campaign highlights the social, economic, and ecological effects of repeated sewage discharges. Residents argue that visible pollution has driven away tourists, harmed local wildlife, and damaged the reputation of coastal towns that rely on clean water for business and recreation. Local business owners report financial losses from fewer visitors during peak tourist seasons, as many avoid beaches known to be contaminated. For families, repeated beach closures limit recreational activities and reduce opportunities for seaside enjoyment, adding to growing frustration in coastal communities.

Environmental groups have supported the claim, noting that water quality issues in the south-west of England remain critical despite regulatory frameworks. They argue that persistent raw sewage discharges undermine both legal standards and public confidence in water companies. The claim’s expansion demonstrates a shift toward collective accountability, empowering residents to challenge corporate practices directly affecting natural resources and their livelihoods. Legal experts also point out that this action could set a precedent for future cases where water companies are accused of failing to protect the environment and public health.

South West Water, while acknowledging the claim, has remained reserved in public statements. A spokesperson said: “We are aware of this claim and whilst we are unable to provide a further comment at this time, like all our customers, we care deeply about the quality of our region’s bathing waters and fully understand how important this is to residents, businesses and visitors.” The company faces scrutiny not only from claimants but also from regulatory authorities tasked with enforcing environmental standards and ensuring public safety along coastal waters.

The legal case also underscores broader concerns about water management infrastructure in the UK. Experts highlight that many treatment plants and sewer networks are ageing and require significant investment to meet environmental obligations. The recurring nature of sewage overflows suggests that systemic issues persist despite regulatory penalties, emphasising the need for long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. Local authorities and environmental agencies continue to monitor water quality, while community-led initiatives attempt to raise awareness of pollution and advocate for improved environmental practices.

Public sentiment along Devon and Cornwall coasts reflects frustration and disillusionment with perceived inaction by water companies. Witnesses to frequent sewage discharges describe the experience as demoralising, especially for residents who value the natural beauty and recreational potential of their local beaches. The claim now provides a legal avenue for individuals and businesses to seek compensation and accountability, framing the issue as both an environmental and social justice concern.

As the case progresses, it is likely to draw attention from national media and environmental observers, with the potential to influence water industry policies. Legal analysts note that the success of the claim may inspire similar actions elsewhere, encouraging affected communities to assert their rights against environmental negligence. The expansion of the claim signifies a growing recognition that water quality issues are not isolated incidents but part of systemic failings affecting wide regions of the UK coastline.

For coastal residents, the legal action represents hope that change is possible and that corporate practices can be challenged effectively. The case also highlights the broader implications of environmental stewardship, accountability, and sustainable resource management in the UK. By bringing together thousands of claimants, the action demonstrates that community-led initiatives can have tangible legal impact, promoting both environmental protection and public engagement in coastal conservation.

The unfolding situation emphasizes the critical importance of clean water for public health, recreation, and economic wellbeing. It also underscores the moral responsibility of water companies to manage sewage discharges responsibly and transparently. As the claim develops, residents, businesses, and environmental advocates will be closely observing how legal pressure may enforce meaningful improvements in sewage management across Devon and Cornwall.

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