Do you know that South West Water is being taken to court by ordinary people like you and me?
Taking South West Water to Court: Why I’m Joining the Fight for Clean Water, by Lucy Tefler
Did you know that ordinary people, just like you and me, are taking South West Water to court?
Swimmers, beach lovers, dog walkers and families who have been denied the simple pleasure of Devon’s coastline because of pollution and sewage discharges. There have been reports of illness among swimmers, beach visitors and their dogs. The Environment Agency has issued numerous ‘Advice Against Bathing’ notices in recent years, and South West Water itself has been forced to regularly warn on its own website that discharges may be affecting bathing water quality. Last August Bank Holiday, red flags went up at Exmouth beach, preventing anyone from entering the water at what should have been one of the most joyful weekends of the summer. And the situation isn’t improving. If anything, the trend is heading firmly in the wrong direction.
Against this deeply frustrating backdrop, Jo Bateman, a retired physiotherapist from Exmouth, decided to do something about it. She took South West Water to the small claims court for depriving her of what she loves most: her daily swim in the sea.
I understand exactly how she feels. As a fellow year-round wild swimmer, I’ve lost more swim days than I can count to sewage spills. And it’s not just the swim itself that’s lost. It’s everything that comes with it. The jolt of cold water that lifts my spirits on a grey morning. The sheer joy of being in the sea. The camaraderie of friends singing and laughing together as we psych ourselves up for that first thirty-second temperature adjustment. The deep sense of peace that comes from being in nature, in a wild and beautiful environment. Those losses add up.
That’s why I’ve joined the group action being brought by Leigh Day solicitors against South West Water, and I’d encourage you to consider doing the same.
Jo In The Water
Jo’s case is supported by Surfers Against Sewage and River Action, and has inspired a feature-length documentary by Devon-based director and producer Pip Piper. Jo In The Water premiered at Exeter Phoenix and is now heading nationwide, including two screenings in Exmouth this March. I’m even in the trailer, which you can watch here:
📽️ Watch the trailer on YouTube
Join the Group Action
With South West Water repeatedly discharging large amounts of untreated sewage into the River Exe and the sea at Exmouth, it’s little wonder that Leigh Day, a firm of solicitors with a long track record in social justice, has launched a group action on behalf of local residents.
If you use the beach or sea at Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton or the surrounding area, or if you use the River Exe for your hobby or livelihood and have been affected by sewage pollution, you are eligible to join the claim. It’s entirely no win, no fee, and if there’s any shortfall in expenses, each claimant would pay no more than the compensation they receive. Joining costs you nothing.
🎟️ For upcoming screenings of Jo In The Water and to book tickets: jointhewater.com
⚖️ To read about and sign up to the Leigh Day group action: leighday.co.uk
Every ripple adds to the energy of a wave. Let’s make one.
Lucy Telfer is a freelance writer, content creator and owner of Yonder Meadow homestead and glamping site. Her work has been featured in Exeter Life, Devon Life as well as nationally produced educational materials. Connect with Lucy on Linkedin.
To read about and join the group action led by Leigh Day solicitors sign up at:
Every ripple adds to the energy of a wave.
