Home / Environment / Devon Beach Soaked in Sewage for Weeks
Devon Beach Soaked in Sewage for Weeks
18 Apr
Summary
- South Devon beach polluted with sewage for over two weeks.
- Leak from South West Water foul sewer at Gales Hill Beach.
- Easter holiday tourism impacted by beach closure warning.
A beach in south Devon experienced sewage pollution for over two consecutive weeks, prompting an advisory against swimming. The Environment Agency confirmed a leak from a South West Water foul sewer impacting Gales Hill Beach in Teignmouth. Environmental campaigners described the situation as a significant incident highly damaging to the local community. The beach closure occurred during the vital Easter holiday period, a peak time for tourism.
The leak originated from a foul sewer into a surface water drain. The Environment Agency has collected water samples and indicated it will pursue enforcement action if deemed appropriate. South West Water is undertaking repairs to fix the leak. The agency stated that the advisory against bathing would be lifted 24 hours after confirmation that the pollution has ceased.
