Thank 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 Waterwatch Southend Community Committee.
Election Results
A total of 58 online votes were received, along with in-person ballots on the night. The top seven candidates have been elected to the inaugural Waterwatch Southend Community Committee:
• Andrew Hall
• Anna Firth
• Kim Hall
• Marcelle Baum
• Naomi Cox
• Peter Lovett
• William Taylor
The committee will now begin its work, including appointing two local business representatives to complete the nine-member structure.
Meeting Recap
The evening opened with the Waterwatch Meeting Behaviour Statement, reaffirming our commitment to respectful and constructive discussion.
Members discussed:
• the new governance structure
• the responsibilities of the Community Committee
• expectations around transparency, community engagement and meeting standards
• the role of stakeholders (MPs, councillors, water companies, Environment Agency) as non-voting participants
• priorities for the next quarter, including the date of the next Water Summit
The group also agreed the term length for the Chair role. Following discussion, members supported a one-year term with a six-month review, as suggested by Kim Hall. This gives stability while allowing rotation if needed.
There was strong interest in expanding outreach, education, and visibility across Southend. Funding applications and partnership work with local organisations will support this.
Daniella closed the meeting by thanking all members for their continued support and especially those who stood as candidates. She noted that every member will have a role in spreading the word, increasing community participation, and strengthening Waterwatch’s impact.
Governance Documents
You can read the governance documents discussed at the meeting here:
Southend Page
Southend’s dedicated page is available here and includes all minutes and agendas from previous community meetings:
https://waterwatchuk.org/southend-on-sea/
Share this...
Sign up for our newsletter
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…