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Multi-million pound investment to help protect the ‘beauty of the beach’
Southern water has announced seven beaches in its catchment area that will benefit from a £31.5 million Bathing Water Enhancement Programme.
Shanklin, on the Isle of Wight; Selsey, Middleton-on-sea and Worthing in West Sussex; and Deal Castle, Leysdown, and Minster Lees in Kent, will all see the quality rating of their bathing water brought up to “excellent” standard.
The announcement follows 12 months of investigation into the sources and pathways of pollution, which included DNA sampling and CCTV reports, to ascertain the issues affecting bathing water quality at each site.
“Our customers asked us to help boost more bathing waters in the region up to Excellent standard and, with the support of local authorities, that’s exactly what we’re doing,” said Southern Water’s Paul Kent, who oversees the programme.
“We’re thrilled to be playing such an active part in protecting and enhancing our region’s bathing waters,” he added.
The water company will work alongside local authorities in each area, to undertake measures such as sewer network maintenance, seaweed removal, UV disinfection and tackling agricultural diffuse.
There are similar plans in place for other beaches in Southern’s catchment area.
“Alongside the ‘Magnificent Seven’, we’ve also earmarked some additional funding at a further six bathing waters which have a chance of achieving Excellent, if relevant local authorities are also willing to pursue improvements,” said Kent.
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