Waterwatch Day 2025
Reading Time: 7 minutesOur first ever Waterwatch Day took place on 28th June under the blazing sun at Chalkwell Beach, Southend and what a day it was. With over 250 direct engagements with members of the public, the event was a resounding success. From curious passers-by to dedicated campaigners, we had meaningful conversations about water quality, pollution, and the power…
Read More
Why Conservation Needs Communities, Not Just Commandments
Reading Time: 2 minutesIt’s easy to think that protecting the natural world is just a matter of passing the right laws or drawing lines on a map. But real, lasting conservation doesn’t start in government offices—it begins in communities. Too often, environmental initiatives are handed down like rules from above. Well-intentioned policies arrive with official stamps and big…
Read More
Community Voices and the Future of Water Governance
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe Independent Water Commission’s interim report, released on 3 June 2025, highlights systemic failures in England and Wales’s water sector. It emphasises the need for comprehensive reforms in strategic planning, regulation, company governance, and infrastructure management. Key Findings: Community Engagement: Waterwatch UK, representing community interests, submitted a detailed response to the Commission’s call for evidence.…
Read More
Waterwatch UK Submits Call for Evidence to the Independent Water Commission
Reading Time: 2 minutesWaterwatch UK has formally submitted a detailed response to the Independent Water Commission’s national Call for Evidence. Representing the voice of communities, our submission advocates for a water system that is safe, resilient, accountable and rooted in the public interest. Our top priorities for the future of the water system: Key reforms we are calling…
Read More
Waterwatch UK: March Updates & Exciting Plans Ahead
Reading Time: 2 minutesA lot is happening at Waterwatch UK! From community engagement to big organisational changes, here’s what we’ve been working on. Community Meeting Recap We recently held a Community Meeting on 4th March to discuss our progress, upcoming plans, and how we can work together to make a bigger impact. You can read the full minutes…
Read More
Why Transparency Matters: The Need for a Democratic Approach to Water Summit Decision-Making
Reading Time: 3 minutesAt Waterwatch UK, we believe in accountability, transparency, and community-led solutions. Our Water Summits were created to bring together local voices, ensuring that those impacted by water pollution have a genuine say in shaping solutions. However, recent developments have raised concerns about how decisions affecting the future of these summits are being made. A Working…
Read More
Summary of the 6th Water Quality Summit
Reading Time: 3 minutesSummary of the 6th Water Quality SummitDate: Friday 7th February 2025Location: Thorpe Bay Yacht ClubChairperson: Bayo Alaba (MP) Summary of Attendees: Overview The latest Water Summit brought together stakeholders from the community, Anglian Water, Southend City Council, the Environment Agency, the Port of London Authority, and various other organisations. However, the meeting was met with…
Read More
Community Calls for Formalisation of Water Quality Summit Committee in March
Reading Time: 4 minutesWaterwatch UK announces that a formal independent community-led committee will be established in March to shape the future of Southend’s Water Quality Summits. This process will ensure a structured, transparent, and inclusive approach to tackling water pollution and holding key stakeholders accountable. Recent Water Summits have failed to deliver real accountability or commitments from those…
Read MoreVictory for Waterwatch UK: Our Proposal to Be Discussed at the Next Water Quality Summit!
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWe are thrilled to share a major milestone in our journey to empower communities and drive real change in water governance. Last night, David Burton-Sampson MP called to inform us that our proposal for the future of the Water Summits will now be discussed at tomorrow’s Water Quality Summit. This is a huge step forward…
Read MoreUpdate on Funding and Future Decisions
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWe are pleased to share that Waterwatch UK has received news about potential funding from other local sources. As a result, we have made the decision to discontinue Anglian Water’s match funding at this time. While we are no longer proceeding with this specific funding arrangement, we recognise that there may be future instances where…
Read MoreThe Origins and Evolution of the Southend Water Summits
Reading Time: 7 minutesThe Water Summits began in March 2023, sparked by my deep frustration with the state of our water quality. As a cold water swimmer in Leigh On Sea, I saw first hand the devastating impact of raw sewage discharges and knew that urgent action was needed. I approached my then MP, Anna Firth, to highlight…
Read MoreStatement on Southend MPs Voting Against Amendment 16 to the Water Bill
Reading Time: < 1 minuteWe are deeply disappointed that both of Southend’s MPs, David Burton-Sampson and Bayo Alaba, chose to vote against Amendment 16 to the Water (Special Measures) Bill. This amendment would have ensured that fines imposed on water companies for pollution were reinvested directly into improving water quality, rather than allowing companies to pass the cost onto…
Read More