'Class action' lawsuit launched against South West Water over damaging sewage pollution

A significant legal challenge has been initiated against South West Water (SWW) by a coalition of sea lovers, surfers, and coastal businesses, alleging damages caused by extensive sewage pollution. Law firm Leigh Day is leading the 'class action' lawsuit, focusing on incidents in Newquay, Penzance, Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, and Lympstone. This action follows a Supreme Court ruling allowing claims against water companies for sewage discharges and is spurred by SWW’s consistently poor environmental performance, including 544,429 hours of untreated sewage discharge in 2024.

Claimants argue that the pollution has negatively impacted tourism-dependent businesses, recreational activities like swimming and surfing, and even individual health, with some reporting chronic illnesses and, tragically, even death. The lawsuit cites public and private nuisance, stemming from combined storm overflows (CSOs), burst pipes, and network failures. Over 1,400 clients have already joined the claim, seeking accountability for SWW’s actions.

Pressure is mounting for systemic change within the water industry, with calls for renationalization and a shift away from prioritizing profit. Environmental campaign group Surfers Against Sewage highlights the billions paid in dividends by water companies while infrastructure deteriorates, and the devastating human cost of pollution, exemplified by the story of Heather Preen, who died after contracting E-coli on a Devon beach. SWW acknowledges the legal action but maintains its commitment to improving water quality and protecting the environment.

(Source：Cornwall Live)