Surfers Against Sewage issues sewage warning for Ilfracombe Hele area

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) has raised a sewage alarm for the Ilfracombe Hele area, citing a sewer overflow 280m east of the beach as a threat to water quality.

The environmental group urges the public to stay vigilant, utilise their app, report potential incidents, and document any health issues after water exposure to support their advocacy for improved water quality.

The group also urged participation in the Million Mile Clean campaign, SAS's initiative to combat plastic pollution.

In a statement, SAS encouraged locals to engage with local MPs and water company CEOs via the Safer Seas and Rivers Service app. A SAS spokesperson emphasised, "Together, we can campaign for better protections for the ocean."

The Gazette contacted South West Water for a response. The utility company acknowledged a storm overflow discharge at Ilfracombe Hele due to local rainfall. They assured ongoing investments of £230,000 until March 2025 to mitigate environmental impact and enhance bathing water quality in the region.

South West Water offered advice to customers, urging responsible waste disposal practices. They highlighted that a significant portion of sewer blockages, costing £100 million annually nationwide, results from wet wipes being flushed down toilets. The company managed over 7,000 blocked sewers last year.

Customers were advised to only flush the 3 Ps - pee, paper, and poo - down the toilet, while proper disposal of fats, oils, and greases in the kitchen was explained.

South West Water shared blockage-prevention tips for the kitchen, including storing used cooking oil safely and avoiding the disposal of food debris down drains.