Plans for year-round seawater testing agreed in Sussex
Currently seawater testing is undertaken during the warmer months, from April to September
Southern Water has agreed a new deal to test seawater quality off Brighton and Hove's beaches all year round - while work is underway to introduce new drinking water fountains in public parks.
Currently seawater testing is undertaken by the Environment Agency during the warmer months, from April to September, with no routine testing at other times in the year.
Raising concerns
Council Leader, Councillor Bella Sankey, and Interim council Chief Executive, Will Tuckley, met with Southern Water bosses earlier this month to raise concerns about this system on behalf of residents, visitors and businesses, and stressed the importance of clean and safe water.
Southern Water agreed to fund the extra sampling between September and April each year, as well as more focused spot testing if specific concerns arise about particular beaches' water quality.
Drinking fountains
Meanwhile, Southern Water and the council are also committed to working on a feasibility study into the introduction of new drinking water fountains for public parks and are teaming up to ensure customers facing financial difficulty during the cost-of-living crisis are accessing the water bill discounts they are eligible for.
Year round testing
Councillor Sankey said: “We share residents’ concerns about water industry practices and so we are determined to make sure that our precious seawater is tested all year round.
“Working with others, I've asked Southern Water to fund the weekly testing of our sea water between September and April when it is not currently tested.
"I'm delighted that Southern Water has agreed to do this and has further agreed to partner on a feasibility study to explore increasing access to water fountains in our city parks.
“We will always hold water companies to account for their national practices and we’ll also work constructively to get the best deal for our residents, businesses and visitors.”
Help with bills
Currently, Southern Water supports more than 125,000 customers with a minimum 45 per cent discount on their bills, with the most vulnerable receiving up to 90 per cent off.
Best in the UK
Charlie White, Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy at Southern Water, added:
“We're delighted to be partnering with Brighton and City Council on water quality testing. The bathing waters around Brighton are some of the best in the UK and we want it to remain that way.
“Transparency and an evidence-based focus on water quality is vital so that residents and businesses have reassurance on the health and safety of their rivers and seas.
"Many of our colleagues at Southern Water live in Brighton and Hove and swim in the sea, so we all care deeply about driving positive change for our environment.
“We know that our customers and communities use the water all year round, which is why we're trialling several pilots in the south to provide free citizen science kits – meaning water quality testing can be carried out any day, any time.”