10 charges brought after Exmouth beach was closed over pollution concerns
Campaigners submitted evidence to the Environment Agency as part of a 13 month investigation
Last updated 26th Jun 2026
People power has helped result in 10 charges being brought against South West Water, after beach closures in Exmouth.
The incidents occurred in 2023 and 2024 and the Environment Agency has spent 13 months investigating potential problems which allowed untreated sewage into the sea.
Next month the water firm is separately due to be sentenced for 18 charges of water pollution in Devon and Cornwall. The offences took place between January 2015 and July 2021 in five locations: Bodmin, Harlyn, Playing Place, Polperro and Plymouth. Three of the offences that took place occurred across an August Bank Holiday weekend.
Figures have also been released which suggest South West Water was the worst offender last year in England and Wales for so-called 'dry day' spills.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said, in regard to its latest action that: ”Now that all relevant evidence has been collected, as regulator we have taken the decision to prosecute South West Water.
“Ten charges have been laid at Exeter Magistrates’ Court and we await a date for the first hearing.”
Andy Tyerman from Exmouth Escape campaign which has been collecting data on South West Water's environmental performance said: "The previous Winter (2023-2024) we'd had a pipe burst in the Exmouth area which caused a lot of impact onto the water quality and we got a big apology from South West Water and 'no, it won't happen again'.
"Come August the same thing happened on another pipe."
Mr Tyerman has also criticised the 'water fit' system for failing to show problems at the time and believes there’s been a lack of historic investment in the area’s infrastructure – calling for the water firm to be given new powers to refuse planning applications if it has capacity concerns.
The water firm has announced a detailed plan for upgrading its infrastructure in Exmouth South West Water completes sewer scheme in Exmouth as part of £38 million improvement plans
A South West Water spokesperson said: "We are aware of this claim and whilst we are unable to provide a further comment at this time, like all our customers, we care deeply about the quality of our region’s bathing waters and fully understand how important this is to residents, businesses and visitors."
"For more information on the work we are doing to reduce storm overflows, see our latest press release: South West Water cuts storm overflows by 17% despite significantly higher rainfall
Jo Bateman, an Exmouth based sea swimmer who is trying to take South West Water to court over pollution, said: "Ive had a huge amount of support. Partly for my legal action but also because of Jo In The Water, the film which a lot of people have seen and I think it's really inspiring people to understand that they can actually help to make a difference."