Southern Water Admits Further Sewage Pollution Incidents

Southern Water has admitted further sewage pollution discharges in Kent, some occurring just weeks after it was handed a record £90 million penalty for illegal dumping.

The company had previously been fined in 2021 over thousands of unpermitted discharges across Kent, Sussex and Hampshire between 2010 and 2015.

Now, it has pleaded guilty to five more offences between 2019 and 2021.

The Environment Agency says some incidents happened in Whitstable, where pollution was discharged into the sea and Swalecliffe Brook.

Around 70 dead fish were later found in the water.

Warning signs were also put in place along nearby beaches due to poor water quality.

Other incidents included diesel leaking into waterways from a treatment plant, and untreated sewage being discharged after equipment failures.

The Environment Agency says the incidents could have been avoided with better management and checks, adding it will continue to closely monitor the company.

Southern Water is due to be sentenced at a later date.