Blog

Reading Time: 2 minutesThank you to every Waterwatch Southend member who attended the Community Meeting on Monday 24 November and to everyone who voted online or in person. Your involvement continues to build a strong, local, community-led model for holding those responsible for our water quality to account. This meeting marked an important step in establishing the first…

Reading Time: 3 minutesThe Community Committee elections take place on Monday 24th November at the next community meeting. Venue Leigh Sailing Club. Doors open at 18:00, meeting. commences 18:30. Voting closes at 19:00.If you cannot attend and you are a member wanting to vote, you can contact Daniella to arrange to vote on Sunday between 13:00 and 15:00…

Reading Time: 2 minutesWe’re proud to announce that Waterwatch UK formally became a registered charity on 1 September 2025: Charity No. 1214739. This marks a major step forward for our mission to build a national movement for water justice: one that began right here in Southend. A New Era for the Southend Water Summits From the first quarter…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…