Response to Green Party Newsletter Inaccuracies

We’d like to address the inaccuracies in the recent article shared in the Green Party’s Winter 2024 newsletter in Southend West & Leigh. Copy of the article can be found at the end of this post.

1. Year-Round Testing
   Waterwatch UK fully supports the calls for year round bathing water testing, a step that both we and Anglian Water have championed. In fact, it was Waterwatch UK who initiated the pilot programme with Anglian Water to conduct water quality testing outside the official bathing season. This pioneering effort has now led to Southend City Council agreeing to take over this vital testing once their team has completed the necessary training.
   The government’s recent consultation on year round bathing water testing marks a significant step forward, but it’s clear that grassroots campaigning has been key to driving progress. Waterwatch UK’s efforts during the Southend Water Quality Summits have played an instrumental role in pushing for these improvements, demonstrating what collaboration and community leadership can achieve.
2. No Swim Warning in July
   The decision regarding the “No Swim” warning in July was made by the council and not by Anglian Water. Their BeachAware system provides clear, up-to-date information to swimmers following any Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) activation, helping them make informed decisions.
3. Water Summits and Anglian Water
   It is incorrect to say that Anglian Water facilitates the Water Summits. These summits were initiated by former MP for Southend West and Leigh, Anna Firth in collaboration with myself and other local stakeholders, and they’ve historically been led by MPs (and supported by groups like the Green Party!) since. Anglian Water has participated as one of many invited stakeholders.
4. Monitoring Equipment
   Effective monitoring is crucial to tackling the issues caused by CSOs. Last year, Anglian Water achieved the installation of monitors on all their CSOs ahead of government targets. These monitors allow them to assess the impact of each CSO and prioritise investment where it is most needed, in alignment with and ahead of the government’s Storm Overflow Reduction Plan.

The Time for Positive Action is Now

The sensationalist, negative narrative around water quality has dominated headlines for far too long, and it’s simply not cutting it anymore. Pointing fingers, spreading fear, and fuelling outrage might spark attention, but it doesn’t drive the real change our communities so urgently need.

If we truly care about creating positive outcomes, we need to unite. It’s time to put aside divisive rhetoric and channel our energy into meaningful collaboration that delivers tangible, measurable results. Blame won’t clean our waters; solutions will. Outrage won’t build progress; action will.

Misinformation only adds to the problem. It risks alienating people, turning away tourists, and stalling the very progress we’re all striving to make. By working together, we can replace sensationalism with accuracy, frustration with focus, and division with momentum towards a shared goal: cleaner, safer water for all.

Let’s rise above the noise, come together, and start achieving the change we all want to see. If you have questions or want to join the conversation, we’re here and ready to listen. Together, we can make it happen.