'Southern Water dumped sewage 16,688 times in rivers last year' - say Medway Liberal Democrats

New figures released by the Environment Agency show the water company for Kent and Medway discharged sewage into waterways a staggering 16,688 times last year.

The sewage discharges by Southern Water lasted 146,819 hours.

The Government allows water companies to discharge raw sewage into rivers, lakes and coastlines following a storm. This includes sewage being pumped into bathing water areas and wildlife habitats.

John Castle, Medway Liberal Democrats candidate for St. Mary's Island has called for a ban on these sewage discharges in protected waters, as well as a ban on water company executives being paid multi-million pound bonuses.

The Environment Agency data released on Friday 31st March has revealed raw sewage was spilled into English rivers 824 times a day last year – despite the fact there was barely any rainfall and most of the country was in drought.

The Liberal Democrats in Parliament recently revealed water companies breached their sewage permits over 500 times last year, double compared to the previous year.

The Lib Dems are calling on the Government to end sewage dumping in rivers and seas and put a sewage tax on water companies profits.

John Castle said, “These figures are a damning verdict on the Government’s attempt to stop Southern Water from dumping sewage into our waterways. Medway residents are furious that our swimming locations and previous wildlife habitats have become poisoned with raw sewage. The Conservative Government just doesn't seem to care. I think it’s time the Environment Secretary resigned and was replaced with somebody who actually cares about our rivers and lakes.

It is time Ministers got tough with Southern Water. They are raking in massive profits all whilst destroying the environment. Frankly, the whole thing stinks. I will continue my campaign to save our rivers and seas from these sewage discharges. I know local communities across our area are demanding action and that this scandal finally ends.”

Medway deserves better.

ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS

Environment Agency data can be found here and Ministerial response to Tim Farron on water company breaches: Written Parliamentary Question