‘Do not swim’ warning along part of Sussex coast extended Brighton News

A warning not to go into the water along the Worthing coast has been extended after screened wastewater was released through an outfall pipe.

The leak, which took place on Tuesday evening, was due to a fault at a Southern Water wastewater treatment facility in Shoreham.

Adur and Worthing Councils have warned that the risk of pollution in coastal waters is expected to remain “throughout today”.

The councils have demanded answers from Southern Water following the release.

Vicki Wells, Worthing’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “I would like to know what caused the electrical issues at the Shoreham wastewater treatment works and expect assurances that they are being addressed urgently.

“It’s unacceptable for the area’s coastline to be polluted by releases of sewage because pumps have failed.”

Southern Water’s live sewage outfall map, Beachbuoy, recorded an almost 11-hour release between 7pm on Tuesday and 6am on Wednesday.

Southern Water apologised for the leak and said: “We are working with the Environment Agency and Adur District Council and are carrying out investigations on environmental impact.”