‘Tiny bit of rain and the sewage comes’: Brighton swimmers vent fury at sea pollution
Swimmers in Brighton are expressing frustration over frequent sewage alerts that disrupt their ability to use local beaches. The issue is linked to rainfall, which triggers sewage discharges, making water safety a recurring concern for the community.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing public health crisis regarding water quality and the environmental accountability of UK water companies.
Keeping your head above water: Brighton beach had two sewage alerts issued in August. Keeping your head above water: Brighton beach had two sewage alerts issued in August. Water ‘Tiny bit of rain and the sewage comes’: Brighton swimmers vent fury at sea pollution Checking for sewage spills has become as normal as checking the weather forecast, say swimmers on East Sussex beaches
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Pippa Neill Environment reporter Sun 30 Aug 2026 02.00 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google “I’m furious,” says Jo Armstrong, 75, sitting on Brighton beach with her daughter and granddaughter.
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