Exmouth Sewage Pollution
How can we help?
We are assisting the residents of Exmouth in exploring the possibility of bringing legal action against South West Water over its pollution of Exmouth Beach and surrounding area.
Sewage Pollution in Exmouth
Exmouth Beach, often called the “gateway to UNESCO’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast” is the prized asset of Exmouth and is of vital importance with much of the Devon town’s economy revolving around the tourism the beach attracts.
However, according to local reports, South West Water repeatedly discharges large amounts of untreated sewage into the River Exe and Sea which is having a detrimental impact on Exmouth Beach and the surrounding area.
The impact of these discharges is acknowledged by both the Environment Agency and South West Water, with the Environment Agency having issued numerous ‘do not swim’ warnings in recent years and South West Water regularly stating on its website that discharges may affect the condition of the bathing water.
Paul Arnott, the East Devonshire District Council leader declared a state of “ongoing civil emergency” due to beaches having to be closed repeatedly from Seaton to Sidmouth because of sewage discharges. Most recently, during the August 2024 Bank Holiday weekend, the local council had to put Red Flag warnings up on Exmouth Beach to prevent people from entering the water.
What do I need to know?
We currently represent wild swimmer and Exmouth resident Jo Bateman in her claim against South West Water. Jo Bateman is arguing that South West Water’s continued pollution of the sea has prevented her swimming in the sea on numerous days.
By working with Jo Bateman, it became clear that many others within Exmouth were also being impacted by the activities of South West Water and following a meeting with members of the local community, we were asked whether we could also represent others in a group action.
Most people who live in the area or regularly visit the area will be able to join the claim, including if you:
- Rely on the sea at Exmouth Beach or the River Exe for hobbies and leisure and have been affected by the pollution.
- Have a business which has been affected by the pollution.
To register your interest in this potential claim, please complete the online form here.
If you would like to meet the legal team looking to bring this claim and hear more about the potential legal action, we will be attending a community meeting on Tuesday 17 September 2024 at Ocean Suite, Queen's Dr, Exmouth EX8 2AY please complete this form.
Affected by this issue?
If you have been affected by sewage pollution in Exmouth, then you can contact us via our expression of interest form.
If you believe you have been affected, you can register your interest in joining potential legal action claim by completing our online form here. We will then contact you to confirm next steps and inform you if the claim is officially launched.
Why has the community asked us to investigate legal action?
It has been reported that there are hundreds of businesses and individuals that have been impacted by ongoing and repeated pollution incidents by South West Water which led to regular beach closures in Exmouth. Businesses range from water sports and outdoor-activity providers such as fishing companies to hospitality establishments, and local tourist shops which are all being impacted by the decline in tourism due to sewage pollution in Exmouth.
This claim aims to ensure that these businesses and individuals are suitably compensated for the loss they have suffered and South West Water is held to account for the damage it has allegedly caused.
Can I join the legal action?
We are currently at the investigative stages of considering the legal action and in due course we will release details of how you can join the potential claim. At this stage, we are asking those that are interested in bringing legal action to record their interest with us.
If you would like to be notified if the claim officially launches, please register your interest and complete the online form here.
Our specialist environmental legal team is always happy to answer any questions about the claim.
To register your interest in this potential claim, please complete the online form here.
Contact the team
- Devon town vs South West Water: Exmouth suing over sewage on beach iNews 8.9.24
- Businesses and residents in Exmouth appoint lawyers to investigate a claim against South West Water ITV News West Country 8.9.24