A new campaign by Surfers Against Sewage, in partnership with 38 Degrees, pushing for better regulation of the privatised water industry highlights just how much sewage is being dumped in local rivers, including the River Lune.
This week, Surfers Against Sewage delivered a 340,000+ petition demanding a water industry that puts people and planet before profit to Number 10.
The Prime Minister has responded already, describing the water industry as one of the biggest issues on his agenda in his first speech to Parliament. He questioned how we can justify sewage discharging into our waters and said the Government needs to “look at all possible solutions for the water industry”, with strengthened legislation and new proposals coming soon.
But Surfers Against Sewage are not letting up on their campaign on the basis of one speech, and have launched the Clean The Bill campaign, which lets voters see exactly how much sewage is being dumped in their local waterways based on data from a variety of sources – and their local MP’s position on the water industry, providing the means to contact them and urge action.
A postcode search provides the information that, in our area, 4397 hours of sewage was pumped into Lancaster and Wyre waters last year; and in Morecambe, where people visit and swim in the sea on their holidays, 8819 hours.
“With the government committed to tabling a Clean Water Bill in Parliament very soon, this is our chance to deliver the bold, lasting change our waters desperately need,” say Surfers Against Sewage.
“We’ve taken the message to the Prime Minister. Now let’s make sure our MPs hear us too. Clean the Bill. Protect our health. Fight for the waters we love.”
• Find out how much sewage was dumped in your waterways here: cleanthebill.org
Put in your postcode to see how much sewage has been dumped into your local waterways, then find out how you can use your voice to pressure your local MP to fight for stronger legislation