Surfers Against Sewage make their 2026 demands
With a new year underway, campaigners from Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) are setting out what they want water companies and ministers to deliver by 2026, warning that urgent action is needed to protect the UK’s seas and rivers.
The environmental charity says ongoing pollution from sewage discharges continues to pose a risk to both wildlife and public health, as thousands of people report becoming ill after swimming or spending time in the water.
Speaking to us, Chloe Flood from Surfers Against Sewage said there needs to be a fundamental shift in the way water companies approach pollution and infrastructure investment.
She said current strategies are failing to address the scale of the problem and called for long-term solutions that prioritise environmental protection over short-term fixes.
The comments come amid growing public concern over the condition of coastal waters and rivers across the country.
In recent years, swimmers, surfers and paddleboarders have raised the alarm over sewage releases, with many reporting symptoms including stomach illness, ear infections and skin rashes after entering the water.
Surfers Against Sewage says these reports highlight the real-world consequences of pollution, particularly for coastal communities that rely on clean water for recreation, tourism and livelihoods.
The charity is now calling on ministers to strengthen regulation and enforcement, and on water companies to accelerate investment in infrastructure to reduce sewage discharges. Campaigners argue that without decisive action, pollution will continue to undermine public trust and damage the natural environment.
As pressure mounts at the start of the year, SAS says the next 12 months will be critical in determining whether promises to clean up the UK’s waters are finally turned into meaningful change.
A spokesperson for South West Water said: “We know people want to enjoy the sea and rivers all year round, and water quality is extremely important to swimmers, surfers and local communities.
“The South West is home to a third of the nation’s bathing beaches, and in 2025 over 96% were rated ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ by the Environment Agency. All bathing waters in our region designated in 2024 met Defra’s expectations.
“Alongside this, we are making progress to reduce storm overflow spills. Over the last five years we have cut spills at beaches by 20% and removed three-quarters of the top 20 highest-spilling sites from 2023. We are also investing £760 million over the next five years to further reduce the use of storm overflows.
“There is more to do, but we are making progress and remain committed to delivering cleaner, healthier waters for the communities we serve.”