Chemical Cocktail Found in UK Harbours Sparks Alarming Concerns for Wildlife

The results from the study we commissioned as part of Project Spotlight has uncovered a disturbing mix of chemical pollutants in two harbours along the UK’s south coast – Chichester and Langstone – raising red flags about the health of our marine ecosystems and the human activity behind their contamination.

Environmental researchers from Brunel University London, the University of Portsmouth, and Imperial College London, working alongside volunteers from the Clean Harbours Partnership, found a staggering 105 different chemicals in seawater, seaweed, and shellfish samples. These included pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and even illegal drugs.

What’s particularly troubling? Some of these chemicals spiked over 100 times after sewage was discharged into the harbours during wet weather events.

“CSO discharges were an obvious source of chemical pollution in these waters,” said Dr Thomas Miller of Brunel University, who led the study.

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are known to release untreated sewage directly into rivers and coastal waters during storms. This study shows just how serious their impact can be – not just for swimmers and beachgoers, but for the wildlife that depends on these ecosystems.

A Toxic Mix

Among the 105 chemicals found were:

  • 67 pharmaceutical drugs
  • 29 pesticides (including some banned for over a decade)
  • 9 recreational drugs

These pollutants were detected in 339 samples taken from 21 locations across both harbours, all of which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Sampling by our fantastic volunteer citizen scientists took place in spring and autumn 2022, with autumn rains triggering the highest pollution levels.

Clare taking water samples at The Ship Causeway, Richard at Bosham Harbour, Beth at Langstone Oyster Beds, Bianca at Emsworth Pontoon

Seaweed, it turns out, absorbed more chemicals than shellfish—highlighting its role as a bio-indicator of pollution. One of the most concerning substances detected was imidacloprid, an insecticide commonly used in flea treatments for pets. Its presence in significant amounts points to household runoff as an unexpected but potent source of contamination.

“Out of so many chemicals detected, the presence of pet tick and flea treatments in the harbours was especially concerning,” said Dr Leon Barron from Imperial College London. “We urgently need to reassess the practice of blanket preventative treatment of our dogs and cats.”

Another compound of concern was 1,3-diphenylguanidine, linked to tyre wear and road runoff, especially after heavy rain.

A Call for Change

This study is part of Project Spotlight, that we crowdfunded with help from local sailing clubs, groups and individuals. The goal: shine a light on the chemical threats to our coastal environments and drive policy change.

Professor Alex Ford from the University of Portsmouth praised the involvement of citizen scientists:

“Having the team at the Clean Harbours Partnership gave us a unique opportunity to monitor a large number of locations quickly and effectively.”

The Clean Harbours Partnership’s Rob Bailey added:

“It’s concerning to see such a large cocktail of chemicals being detected—and even more worrying that their effects are still largely unknown.”

What’s Next?

With sewage spills hitting record levels in 2023 (3.6 million hours of raw sewage released into England’s rivers and seas), this research adds to the growing urgency for action. The study’s authors call for more extensive monitoring and further research into CSO discharges—their volume, frequency, and long-term effects on marine life.

Until then, the findings serve as a stark reminder: what we flush, pour, or wash away doesn’t just disappear. It ends up in the waters we cherish—and the creatures that call them home.

Read the full peer reviewed study here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412025001680

Metals in the Marine Environment

It has been estimated that every year, a mean of 340 tonnes of copper (from antifouling) and 900 tonnes of zinc (from anodes) is released into UK coastal waters from recreational vessels (article 1 below).

Almost all antifouling paints in current use contain copper (along with a range of other substances) as the primary biocide, and this is released into the marine environment.

Most yacht anodes are still made of zinc alloy, despite the less harmful aluminium alloy being of equal efficacy.

Metals build up in sediment on the seabed and affect organisms at all levels in the food chain. Generally, copper is more harmful than zinc, which in turn is thought to be more harmful than aluminium.

Legislation relating to copper in antifouling and zinc in anodes has been tightened in some countries, and this is likely to become more widespread.

What can we do to reduce metal release into the sea?

Copper

At present, in the UK, there are two alternatives to copper antifouling that have comparable efficacy with evidence of better safety concerning marine life:

Second & third generation silicone foul release coatings (FRCs)

These preparations produce a surface on the hull that is difficult for marine life to adhere to.

In a study in Sweden (Article 2 below), their efficacy was found to be as good or slightly better than copper antifouling. They appear to have much lower environmental toxicity, though this needs to be evaluated as they gain in popularity. They do not release microplastics.

Experience of using FRCs on recreational vessels is at an early stage. If you have any, we would appreciate it if you could share it with us by emailing james@cleanharbours.co.uk

Coppercoat

Coppercoat still uses copper as the biocide. The rate of release of copper is claimed to be less than with antifouling paint. It lasts many seasons, making it cost effective.

The most cost effective way of changing to Silicone or Coppercoat is to wait until a full scrape back of all paint to bare hull is next done.

Conventional Antifouling

For boat owners who want to continue using conventional paint, Hard Racing antifouling releases less copper into the water than Self-Polishing (Ablative or Eroding) antifouling.

Scraping Off

Physically scraping antifouling paint off the hull produces large volumes of copper waste. It should be done ashore, and the scrapings carefully collected and disposed of appropriately.

Further information about choosing an antifouling can be found on the Green Blue website https://thegreenblue.org.uk/you-and-your-boat/info-and-advice/water-pollution-prevention/choosing-an-antifoul/

2. Zinc

Aluminium anodes are as effective as zinc (more so in brackish water), as well as being cheaper.

When changing from zinc to aluminium, all external anodes should be replaced at the same time. This does not apply to zinc anodes in the engine water cooling system, if the two bodies of water are separate.

If an anode is eroding more quickly than expected, it’s worth looking for an electrical problem causing stray current. Addressing this would reduce the amount of metal shed by the anodes into the environment. Prolonged connection to shore power without a galvanic isolator can have the same effect.

Boat owners should check that they are using the right amount of anode material for their vessel: Enough to be effective, without causing unnecessary release into the sea.

Useful information on aluminium vs zinc anodes can be found on the websites of MG Duff and Cathwell, suppliers of boat anodes.

  1. Richir et al, Three decades of trace element sediment contamination: The mining of Governmental databases and the need to address hidden sources for clean and healthy seas.  Apr 2021
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412020323163?via%3Dihub
  2. Lagerström et al, Are silicone foul-release coatings a viable and environmentally sustainable alternative to biocidal antifouling coatings in the Baltic Sea?  Nov 2022
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X22007846

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

More than 50 chemicals discovered in water off Hampshire and West Sussex coasts

Researchers testing water quality in and around two harbours say a worrying number of chemicals have been identified, including prescribed and illegal drugs

Cocaine hydrochloride, University of Portsmouth’s Institute for Marine Sciences © University of Portsmouth

An ongoing study looking at water quality in and around Chichester and Langstone harbours has revealed high levels of potentially harmful chemicals.

In a novel collaboration between local interest groups and Portsmouth and Brunel Universities, hundreds of samples were gathered off the coasts of Hampshire and West Sussex by the Clean Harbours Partnership (CHP) campaign group last year as part of Project Spotlight.

University of Portsmouth and Brunel University London researchers analysed 288 samples and have so far detected more than 50 compounds across 22 sites. These include pharmaceuticals and recreational drugs.

The team also discovered pesticides, including simazine, propamocarb, imidacloprid, and clothianidin which is a banned substance in the UK.

Professor Alex Ford, from the University of Portsmouth’s School of Biological Sciences, said: “We know there are billions of litres of sewage discharges annually around the UK but the impact of these discharges are not clearly understood.

“This project is enabling us to determine what chemical contaminants are in our marine life and coastal waters.

“We have found a large variety of prescribed and illegal drugs plus a variety of pesticides in coastal waters and marine organisms, such as crabs and oysters.

“This is important, because we know that aquatic ecosystems are under threat from pharmaceuticals and farming practices such as biocides and fertilisers.”

Professor Alex Ford in the lab at the University of Portsmouth’s Institute for Marine Sciences © University of Portsmouth

Professor Ford’s previous research revealed tiny quantities of antidepressants in water can affect wildlife, such as crustaceans and molluscs. It also found drugs will affect the behaviour and biological make-up of these creatures, including changing colour, growth and reproducing less or more.

He added: “There is a staggering list of prescription drugs passed from humans to wastewater treatment plants and into receiving streams, estuaries, or oceans by direct consumption, metabolism, and excretion or by toilet flushing of old prescriptions.

“The release of human pharmaceuticals into aquatic ecosystems is an environmental problem we should consider seriously.”

A post storm seawater sample taken by CHP near an outflow pipe from Budds Farm treatment works, near Langstone, showed a reading of 380,000 colony forming units (cfu) per 100ml of E.coli, which is 760 times safe levels as set out under the European Bathing Water Directive. Levels above 500cfu/100ml signify a risk to human health.

Scientists will now compare the concentrations of these pollutants, found during last year’s drought, to those taken at the same sewage discharge locations after combined sewer overflow (CSOs) discharges had been activated by rainfall.

“Chemical pollution from CSOs is becoming a real cause for concern due to the number of chemicals that are being found all over the environment and not just in the UK,” explained Dr Tom Miller from Brunel University.

“It is important that the public are becoming more aware of the problem, and it has been a really great opportunity to work with locals in the area and address some of their concerns surrounding the issue.”

Project Spotlight was funded by concerned local residents, groups of water-users and organisations through the Clean Harbours Partnership. The aim is to reveal what chemical contaminants are impacting important coastal environments and as a result influence change.

CHP co-founder, Rob Bailey, said: “Thanks to community funding, we are starting to get an insight into the cocktail of chemicals polluting our sea water and their sources. Some pesticides seem to have been lingering for several years and the presence of partly digested antidepressants, drugs for type 2 diabetes and bladder infections is concerning. So little is known about their impact on marine life.

“The sheer scale of sewage discharges into our water courses has shocked the public. It looks like the debate is set to continue as we learn what’s in the water and how ineffective the authorities have been at managing such obvious threats to our precious environment.”

About The Clean Harbours Partnership

  • The Clean Harbours Partnership was formed in response to local outcry and concern about pollution in Chichester and Langstone Harbours. For the first time, it has brought together like-minded interest groups providing funding, manpower and expertise.
  • The Partnership adopts a professional, evidence-based approach to influence change. It brings the community together with a single focus on harbour pollution. This allows local groups to leverage the benefits of scale and clearly communicate the facts.
  • CHP aims to “Investigate – Inform – Improve” and represents groups with c40,000 individual members.

About the University of Portsmouth

  • The University of Portsmouth is a progressive and dynamic university with an outstanding reputation for innovative teaching and globally significant research and innovation.
  • The University’s research and innovation culture is impacting lives today and in the future and addressing local, national and global challenges across science, technology, humanities, business and creative industries. http://www.port.ac.uk/
  • The University actively promotes the incredible work being carried out here, including through the Life Solved podcast series. Search ‘Life Solved’ on your podcast streaming platform or visit our pod follow page: https://podfollow.com/uoplifesolved/view

About Brunel University London

  • Brunel University London, based in Uxbridge, is an international university committed to bringing benefit to society through excellence in education, research and knowledge transfer.
  • Brunel has a reputation for high-impact academic research and entrepreneurial flair. The university works extensively with industry partners, contributing to global innovation and policy change.
  • A civic university, Brunel uses innovation and entrepreneurialism to drive the local economy, and to build important strategic partnerships with local organisations to bring benefit to – and increase its impact in – the local community.

About Chichester & Langstone Harbours

  • Large scale natural and inter-connecting harbours extending to some 15,000 acres. Part in West Sussex and part in Hampshire.
  • Chichester Harbour is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Both harbours are designated: Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Ramsar, Special Protection Areas and contain Local Nature Reserves.

CHP Newsletter January 2023

This is the fourth update on Project Spotlight – a citizen science research study into the quality of seawater in both Chichester and Langstone Harbours. The Clean Harbours Partnership is a unique collaboration of local groups and individuals concerned about “what’s in the water”. We adopt an evidence-based approach to help inform local opinion, raise awareness and influence improvement.

Meaningful Progress

CHP believes there are 5 main pollution pathways which need significant improvement – wastewater discharges from Southern Water; leaching from historic landfill; agricultural and highway run-off; and the activity of water users ourselves. CHP aims to influence improvement to each of these pathways.

Our main initiative is to identify substances found in harbour water to ‘finger-print’ sources of pollution, whilst at the same time starting to understand implications for public health and marine life.

Our main results have been long delayed, predominantly as a result of the longest drought since 1976 and delays at Brunel University. However, along the way, the Partnership has been able to start making a difference. Examples have been covered in previous issues but include:

  • Analysis of local data highlighting c170 potentially illegal sewage spills (presented to the Government’s Environmental Audit Committee and the Environment Agency)
  • Reporting of pollution incidents at Lavant, (supported by the BBC) leading to the urgent reconstruction of part of the Wastewater Plant.
  • Providing evidence to help change the approach taken by custodians of our water including Chichester Conservancy and Langstone Harbour Board.

Against this background, we are pleased to say that lab results are now starting to come through, which give some interesting insights and will better inform the debate during 2023. 

Shocking levels of sewage discharges…

Southern Water has become the “lightning conductor” for local frustration and since the drought finished in October, there has been plenty of evidence to show why.

Overflowing Drain, Bosham High Street, 16th November 2022

According to their own data, the company released untreated sewage into our environmentally protected harbours for a shocking 2,000 hours during October, November and December. This included continuous dumping from 21st December until 28th at Langstone and Bosham – Happy Christmas from Southern Water? And the situation has continued into the New Year. As of 18th January, Thornham has been dumping for 625hrs (since 23rd December); Bosham since 10th January (200 hrs); and Langstone almost continuously since New Year’s Day (400 hrs). These are not isolated incidents with outflows at Chichester, Emsworth, Nutbourne, Chidham, Drayton, Cosham and Fort Cumberland also adding to the cocktail.

Rainfall has been heavy/seasonal but years of under-investment, profit taking and ineffective regulation continue to show themselves. There are many examples of untreated wastewater flowing into the public realm due to Southern Water’s lack of capacity and aging infrastructure. Below are two recent situations that CHP has reported to the Environment Agency and await a formal response.  

CHP Bacteria Testing…

As we increase the pressure for change, headline discharge figures are limited in their ability to describe the true situation. The Clean Harbours Partnership, therefore, aims to go a stage further by scientifically identifying what’s being put into our harbour water.

During November water quality officers from several sailing clubs took seawater samples to test for E.coli and Fecal Streptococci bacteria. Samples were placed in cool bags and taken the same day by our volunteers to the closest accredited laboratory in Fareham. The team adopted the same standards used by the Conservancy and contained in the EU Bathing Water Directive.

In summary, these describe “failures” as readings of over 500 cfu/100ml for E.coli and 185 cfu 100/ml for Fecal Streptococci.

Samples were taken close to sewage discharge pipes without the benefit of extensive dilution as wastewater spreads throughout harbour waters. Results across the board were shocking, with ‘failure’ rates many, many times acceptable levels. These were supported by the Conservancy’s own monthly tests which failed the threshold levels at 6 out of 9 sites in November. Unfortunately, Langstone Harbour Board (operated jointly by Havant Borough Council and Portsmouth City Council), do not test water quality.

Location 15/11/22E.coli cfu/100mlMultiple above failure rateFecal Streptococci cfu/100ml

Multiple above failure rate
Emsworth7,300x 14860x 4
Budds Farm380,000x 7605,900x 32
Thornham810,000x 1,62067,000x 362
Bosham Hoe50,000x 1001,300x 7
Bosham Channel1,000x 5360x 2

Our results caught the attention of both national and local media including:

News coverage including The Times (and Feargal Sharkey!), The Independent and Le Monde

Why Measure E.coli & Fecal Streptococci?

There are two main reasons. Firstly, they are inexpensive to measure; and secondly, both are good “indicator organisms”. That is to say, their presence in seawater gives an indication of how likely the water is to contain other foreign substances, including organisms (usually viruses) that cause illness in humans. Some strains of E.coli can also cause disease in their own right, especially gastroenteritis and infections, sometimes resulting in more serious illnesses such as sepsis.

A study in Canada indicated that 10 mins immersion in seawater containing 200-500 cfu/100ml Fecal Streptococci, gives a risk to the swimmer of 5-10% of getting gastroenteritis. Levels that support the formal Bathing Water threshold of 185 cfu/100ml.

Project Spotlight – Phase Findings:

In sharp contrast with two simple bacteria, the main thrust of Project Spotlight is testing for c500 chemicals in the harbour water. The study will accelerate our knowledge of ‘what’s in the water’..….and the first validated results are starting to come through. 

Earlier in the year, Prof. Alex Ford (University of Portsmouth) and CHP collected several different organisms near Budds Farm treatment works in Langstone Harbour. The samples were sent to Dr Thomas Miller (Brunel University) for chemical analysis using a technique known as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) which separates and measures complex mixtures of different chemicals.

The biota collected for analysis included the common shore crab (Carcinus maenas), amphipods (Echinogammarus marinus), ragworms (Nereis virens), seaweed fronds (Fucus vesiculosus), Limpets and Oysters. Brunel prepared samples which involved freeze-drying, followed by extraction of the biological material in organic solvents and after further clean-up steps, the samples were subsequently run using LC-MS over a three-day period.

An interesting range of chemicals have been detected across all the biological samples. A total of 42 unique chemicals were identified in the species, with the most contaminated samples being the seaweed fronds (24 compounds detected) and ragworms. Importantly both species are showing themselves to be insightful bioindicators for chemical pollution. The least contaminated samples were limpets with 9 compounds.

Compounds included pharmaceuticals such as oxazepam, temazepam and venlafaxine (linked to anxiety, anti-depression and insomnia), as well as trimethoprim and medroxyprogesterone (urine and uterus infections). Other common chemicals included recreational drugs such as cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and nicotine.

Results suggest a strong link to human sewage and therefore discharges from local wastewater plants but at the same time a range of herbicides and insecticides were also detected, most likely emanating from local farming and gardening.

Next Steps

300 surface water samples collected by our citizen scientists have been prepared and are currently undergoing final validation, with results expected imminently. Recent rainfall also means that CHP volunteers have (at last) been able to collect post storm samples. These were taken at several sites over 5 days and will be put through the same process….and in the absence of any water testing in Langstone Harbour, CHP will be introducing regular bacteria tests in February.

Clean Harbours Partnership’s citizen science project reveals potentially dangerous levels of E. coli in harbours

Results from a Citizen Science project run by the Clean Harbours Partnership (CHP) in Langstone and Chichester Harbours to research pollution in harbour water has revealed E. coli [Escherichia coli] levels from stormwater overflows can be up to 760 times the threshold considered to be acceptable to public health.

Under the direction of the Clean Harbours Partnership, accredited laboratory tests show several E. coli readings over 1,000 cfu/100ml, with one reading in Langstone Harbour, near to outflow at Budds Farm wastewater treatment works, as high as 380,000 cfu/100ml – 760 times the failure rate for levels of bacteria set under The EU Bathing Water Directive.

Concentrations less than 250 cfu/100ml are considered ‘excellent’ water quality while any readings exceeding 500 cfu/100ml signify ‘failure’ with a risk to human health. E.coli is a harmful bacteria commonly found in sewage that can cause infection, diarrhoea and vomiting when ingested. However, the presence of E.coli is considered by scientists to be a proxy for the state of river and seawater – and an indicator for many other contaminants. 

Water samples were taken from both Chichester and Langstone Harbours during November when, according to Southern Water’s own data (Beachbuoy) there were over 1,000hrs of untreated wastewater dumped into Chichester Harbour, plus over 350hrs released from Budds Farm alone into Langstone. Chichester Harbour is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Both harbours are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Results echo findings by the Chichester Harbour Conservancy, which reported five out of twelve test sites failing similar tests at the end of October and a further six out of nine sites failing two weeks later. The Langstone Harbour Board do not test water quality but significantly, a bit closer to the harbour boundary at Northney, measured at over 11 times acceptable levels (5800 cfu/100ml), coinciding with an untreated release from Langstone and giving strong evidence that the plume of untreated wastewater spreads between harbours.

This has implications for local harbour users, from wild swimmers and sailors to fishermen.

End of Budds Farm Outfall No 2 in Langstone Harbour

Rob Bailey of CHP said: “We initiated this research because our local communities and water users want to know what pollution is in our harbour water. The Authorities either can’t or won’t tell us. Recent local demonstrations show a loss of trust in Southern Water and a loss of faith in the system that is meant to protect the public and the environment. Both Chichester and Langstone Harbours have gold star environmental designations. If E.coli concentrations are a bellwether for water quality, we clearly have a problem that needs addressing. We will be sharing our findings with the Environment Agency although their track record for investigating such situations has been poor.”

Bianca Carr of CHP, added: “We believe it is important to share these findings with the public so that harbour users can make more informed decisions about when they get out on or into the water. We have found high concentrations of bacteria near the sewage outfalls – however, there are few signs informing the public of this danger and despite not being designated bathing water they are regularly used recreationally by local communities. In the interest of public safety, we would like to see clear signage recommending that nobody uses the inshore waters after storms.”

This most recent testing is part of CHP’s Project Spotlight, the largest-ever Citizen Science initiative around Chichester and Langstone Harbours. Over 300 seawater samples have been taken to identify the range of pollution present. Under the guidance of the Universities of Portsmouth and Brunel, the project is testing for the presence of some 500 chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Findings are expected to be published in early 2023.

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CHP Newsletter August 2022

This is the third update on Project Spotlight – a citizen science research study into the quality of seawater in both Chichester and Langstone Harbours. The study is being organised by the Clean Harbours Partnership (CHP), a unique collaboration of local groups and individuals concerned about “what’s in the water”. CHP aims to investigate the facts to help inform local opinion, raise awareness and influence improvement. In this issue we are delighted to announce significant progress on both Project Spotlight & on the River Lavant.

Progress: The First Results are in…

Dr Thomas Miller at Brunel University has started to examine 5 species of aquatic life (biota) found living in our local waters.

It is important to emphasise that early results still need to be fully validated and quantified but the early signs are that several substances are present including anti-depressants, nicotine and some recreational drugs. Scientists advise that such compounds are often not fully broken down by the body and are therefore most likely to enter the harbour via human waste. Tom and his team have to undertake much more analysis over the coming weeks as some 250 bottles of seawater were collected by our citizen scientists. Initial identification is followed by validation, quantification and thereafter interpretation, before the formal publication of a scientific paper. However, we are hoping for a more rounded understanding of the results in November.

We also patiently await an opportunity to add ‘post-storm’ samples to the baseline ‘pre-storm’ bottles. The driest 8-month period since 1976 has resulted in very few storm sewage releases and minimal highway and agricultural run-off, so the collection of our second batch continues to be delayed.

During 2021 we believe there were storm sewage releases totalling 56 days in Chichester Harbour. This year only one release has been reported at Thornham (6.5hrs on Jan 9th) and none at Dell Quay or Taylors Lane Bosham. Quite a contrast, predominantly due to drought conditions.

Langstone Ragworm ready for analysis

Next Steps

As soon as we have better sight of the lab results, a presentation by our lead scientists (Professor Ford & Dr Miller) will be arranged for representatives of sponsor organisations. In the meantime, our citizen scientist team continue to keep an eye out for a sustained period of heavy rain to obtain post-storm samples and allow a “before & after” comparison.

A quick reminder that Project Spotlight comprises 4 main elements:
  1. Statistical analysis: of discharge data by Prof Peter Hammond. Highlighted 182 likely illegal discharges locally between 2017 and 2021 – results passed to Environment Agency
  2. Species analysis: of oysters, limpets, seaweed, ragworms, amphipods – under analysis
  3. Pre & Post storm water samples: part under analysis – part awaiting heavy rainfall
  4. eDNA testing: of biodiversity & bacterial range – awaiting heavy rainfall.

Southern Water Performance Drops to One Star

The Environment Agency has just published it’s ‘Water and Sewerage Companies: Environmental Performance Report 2021’. Southern Water’s performance was downgraded to the lowest “One Star” rating. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/water-and-sewerage-companies-in-england-environmental-performance-report-2021/water-and-sewerage-companies-in-england-environmental-performance-report-2021

One of the Agency’s main roles is to police water companies and in the Chair’s final speech, after 6yrs of responsibility for the protection and enhancement of the environment, Emma Howard Boyd stated:

“Southern Water fell to one star, the bottom of our star ratings, meaning their performance was terrible across the board. The sector’s performance on pollution was shocking. The water companies are behaving like this for a simple reason: because they can.”

“Repeat offenders can now expect criminal prosecutions. We would like to see prison sentences for Chief Executives and Board members whose companies are responsible for the most serious incidents.”


This signals a distinct U-turn on previous observations and finally some strong words…. on the eve of her handover to the new Chair! It may be that there are some criminal convictions coming down the pipes, but we await evidence of a step change in performance.

River Lavant

Progress: Improvement works start….

CHP discovered and reported unpermitted discharges at Lavant sewage works in May, a situation which subsequently received national BBC TV and Radio4 News coverage – reaching an audience of over 10m. In response, the Environment Agency issued Southern Water an “official warning” and substantial physical improvements have been promised on-site. These include more storage capacity and replacement of the reed beds which help to filter untreated overflows. We are pleased to report that construction started last month.

However, we will be appealing the Environment Agency’s decision which we still see as ‘unsatisfactory’. An official warning does not reflect the fact that Southern Water knowingly and substantially breached permitted levels for several years, negatively impacting the environment downstream. An official warning does not echo the sentiment of their Chairman’s public statement (above).

Prof Hammond’s data highlighted 147 potentially illegal releases (2017-21) at Lavant, and our own on-site investigations suggest Southern Water vented unpermitted ‘storm’ discharges throughout this year until July (despite the drought). The Agency’s statistics for 2021, 2020 and 2019 mirror this 6 month per annum pattern and using their own estimations (obtained through information requests), it seems that at least 75m litres (30 Olympic swimming pools) of untreated effluent is being dumped annually into a small, rare chalk stream about 8ft wide.

By way of update, the River Lavant has now dried out (August) above the sewage works but this doesn’t stop legal discharges continuing 24/7. With no natural water flow, downstream of the sewage works is now effectively a (permitted) river of effluent flowing down into Chichester and the harbour beyond.

River Lavant Aerial: showing dried-out white riverbed above the treatment works (bottom left) and brown river downstream (middle right).

In the press

Channel 4 Coverage

On bank holiday Monday (August 29th), Channel 4 aired a “Dispatches” expose on the performance of the water companies. Bianca Carr from CHP was interviewed and local sites were featured including evidence of unnatural storm pipe discharges at Chidham and high bacteria readings taken off the beach at Ryde.  A central theme was the Environment Agency’s inability to bring cases against the polluters despite pollution on an almost unimaginable scale. The programme – “Britain’s Water Scandal” – can be viewed on C4 catch up here: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/britains-water-scandal-dispatches

Elsewhere in the news – will the facts lead to meaningful change?

Public awareness and pressure for change is growing with lots of press on sewage discharges and river pollution. Some headline articles on the issue include:

Thank you

As always, a big thank you to all those who have supported the Clean Harbours Partnership to date.

CHP Newsletter May 2022

CHP aims to “Investigate – Inform – Improve” and this second issue is published shortly after some 40 locals completed a key stage of the study – a 5-day water sampling programme around both harbours. Lab results are not expected until June/July but already the project is making national news.

A big thank you to the army of volunteers from sponsor organisations, who spent 5 mornings taking water samples from 25 locations – to our knowledge, the largest citizen science water sampling exercise ever attempted locally.

Test sites were spread around both harbours including The Kench and HISC beach at the harbour entrances; the 3 main tributaries – River Lavant, Ems and Hermitage; as well as adjacent to the harbour’s 4 wastewater treatment works (wwtw). Over 250 samples have been frozen and passed to Brunel university for analysis over the coming weeks.

Clare at The Ship Causeway, Richard at Bosham Harbour, Beth at Langstone Oyster Beds, Bianca at Emsworth Pontoon

Patiently Awaiting Rain

Phase 3 of Project Spotlight has therefore been completed.  This follows a study of Southern Water’s discharge data by Professor Peter Hammond (Phase 1) and Professor Alex Ford’s collection of 5 species for similar chemical analysis (Phase 2).

Two phases remain – post-storm water sampling and eDNA testing – both need substantial rainfall which we have been patiently waiting for since February.

New evidence of substantial pollution

In line with CHP’s goals, investigations are starting to uncover facts to help raise awareness and influence improvement.

Professor Hammond’s data analysis found evidence suggesting some 182 unpermitted stormwater discharges into our harbours between 2017-21. This information has been passed to the Environment Agency and a formal response is awaited.

This is not insignificant. Court papers relating to Southern Water’s £90m criminal conviction (the largest ever bought by the Environment Agency) itemised just over 700 illegal discharges into Langstone and Chichester Harbours between 2010-16.

In addition, Professor Hammond’s data study also found 147 unpermitted discharges from the Lavant wwtw into the River Lavant – a rare and ecologically sensitive winterbourne chalk stream which flows into Chichester Harbour at Apuldram. According to Southern Water’s own data, so-called “exceptional” discharges from “storms” lasted for over 6 months in both 2020 and 2021.

Watch Out for BBC Coverage

As a result, CHP included the location in its recent sampling regime with test sites both above and below the Lavant wwtw. Here, we found physical evidence of prolonged pollution.   The aerial photo below shows overflow (untreated wastewater) coming out of a reed bed (right) on site and creating a white plume as it travels down the river (left). The short video was taken from the river, showing the white substance up close which we believe to be bacterial colonies (sewage fungus). E-coli and streptococci analysis undertaken by CHP showed levels 30x higher than the Environment Agency’s “poor” standard at Blue Flag beaches. CHP has reported this incident to the Environment Agency and given media interest, we hope they will follow through to a full investigation.

Overflow coming out of reed bed
Close-up of white substance believed to be sewage fungus

This interested BBC national news, so the situation has been filmed and is expected to be aired on BBC Breakfast (7m viewers) and Radio4 Today (3m listeners) next week. Thank you to the samplers and Alex for giving up more time to be filmed, as well as to ESC for hosting the BBC.

BBC filming Professor Alex Ford at Lavant
Junior ESC members being filmed by the BBC

Poor Water Quality continues to make news

  • Local – two species of Vibrio E-coli have been found by Exeter University in UK waters for the first time – in Chichester Harbour. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the world’s leading cause of seafood gastroenteritis and was discovered in our local oysters. Rising sea temperatures has been blamed.Link to research.
  • National – data provided by water companies in March identified some 372,000 raw sewage discharges into our rivers during 2021 – just over 1,000 per day. Link to article.
  • Government – DEFRA has announced plans to cut stormwater discharges 40% by 2040. Their proposals have received wide spread condemnation for lack of ambition but if anyone would like to review their proposals and make comment please use this link. The consultation period closes 12th May.

Funding and pledge payment

We are delighted to report that Project Spotlight is now fully funded. Additional pledges from Friends of Chichester Harbour and The Fat Face Foundation mean we have reached our target.

Supporters to date include:

Bosham AssociationDell Quay SC
Chichester Yacht ClubBosham Swimmers
Bosham SCItchenor SC
Emsworth Yacht HarbourEmsworth Residents Association
Emsworth Slipper SCLangstone SC
SOSCA Langstone residents & Village Assoc
Locks SCAndrew Simpson Centre
Emsworth SC    Hayling Health Society
Portsmouth Canoe ClubHayling Residents Assoc
Friends of Langstone HarbourFriends of Chichester Harbour
Hayling Ferry SCThorney Island SC
Fat Face FoundationHayling Island SC
…plus a number of individuals

A massive thank you to all those who have pledged to date.

Next Steps

Investigate – We continue to pray for heavy rain (sorry) and will be finalizing logistics so that Phase 4 & 5 of the testing can complete. Please note that if this unseasonal dry period continues, lab analysis and therefore results may have to be delayed.  

Inform – We look forward to BBC coverage next week and have been approached by a couple of production companies who are planning to make a documentary on the sewage issue nationally.  

Improve – We expect the BBC piece to make some waves and will be putting pressure on the Environment Agency to respond to the evidence unearthed by Professor Hammond and on site at Lavant.  

CHP features on BBC Breakfast Show

We were thrilled to have a team from the BBC visit Emsworth a couple of weeks ago to film a short report on our citizen science sampling programme and pollution issues in our local harbours.

It went out on BBC Breakfast this morning, but you can catch up here or by watching the embedded video below if you missed it. It’s fantastic to have kicked off the first phase of testing and we look forward to seeing the results in the coming weeks. This is a project that has come about through local frustration at the lack of progress in limiting pollution in our harbours and waterways. Some of the issues highlighted in the report about unpermitted discharges at Lavant have been going on for years and are known about by the EA and Southern Water. Our initial results at Lavant show the levels of Streptococci are way in excess of the EA’s ‘poor’ rating.

We’d like to thank all the volunteers that have taken the samples for our first phase of testing and to Professor Alex Ford for featuring in the report. Thanks also to Emsworth Sailing Club for hosting the BBC team for the afternoon, and the young people spoke so eloquently to reporter Zoe Conway about why clean harbour water is important for them.

CHP Phase 1 Study features on BBC South

The first phase of our testing programme has started, and we were pleased to feature in a BBC South news report last week covering the first sample collection by Professor Alex Ford, ready for analysis. We anticipate that the results of this preliminary study will be available to the public in the Spring, and are looking forward to finding out and sharing what is really in our local harbour’s water.

BBC South Coverage of Phase 1 Sampling

CHP Newsletter January 2022

CHP aims to “Investigate – Inform – Improve” and this first issue is published as we start to Investigate.   The subject of pollution is certainly a murky one but 2022 looks set to be the year when we all gain much greater clarity about “what’s in our water”. Armed with this knowledge we can start to bring improvement and turn the tide on harbour pollution.

Great News – We’ve Started

We are delighted to announce that Phase One of Project Spotlight has started. Professor Ford from the University of Portsmouth was out and about in Langstone Harbour last week collecting species for analysis. All caught on camera by the BBC’s James Ingham including oysters, limpets, ragworm and seaweed.

Prof Ford and James Ingham (BBC South) at Budds Farm CSO
Oysters and Rag Worms being prepared for lab analysis

In the News

Harbour pollution has hit the press a number of times in recent weeks. Awareness is rising. Drone footage of Budds Farm discharging untreated wastewater, shot by Chris Pearsall with the help of Hayling Sewage Watch, led the national news before Xmas and has received an estimated 10m hits on social media.

The release (49hours) was simply routine but caught the public’s imagination due to the volume and brown colour of the discharge. It is of course the chemicals, “the stuff you can’t see”, that are of most interest to Project Spotlight.

New Government Report

The House of Commons Environmental Audit Select Committee has just published its findings on the condition and governance of our waterways.

Read here:  Water Quality in Rivers (parliament.uk).

It’s a damning report concluding our national waters have become a “chemical cocktail”. It states that the stresses of sewage, plastics, synthetic chemicals and agricultural waste, plus climate change and increased house building, are endangering the health and resilience of key ecosystems.  Of particular note is that the Select Committee call for an urgent step change in regulatory action and are concerned that the waters becoming the breeding ground for anti-microbial resistance.

New data: over 320 unpermitted local discharges

CHP has been working with Professor Peter Hammond, a retired mathematician from The Oxford Institute of Big Data and one of the experts who gave evidence to the Select Committee. Peter published analysis of 58 UK wastewater treatment works last week, identifying some 2,500 illegal releases by a number of water companies. The Environment Agency had missed these permit breaches.

His report included our harbour sewage works and highlighted some 320 potentially illegal releases since 2017. This evidence has been passed to the Environment Agency and we will follow their response closely. Read about it here: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/britains-rivers-ruined-by-thousands-of-sewage-spills-x7pw2rwqz

A Langstone Evening  

Of central importance to CHP is to bring local interest groups closer together. With this in mind, Langstone Sailing Club kindly hosted a “Langstone Evening” with presentations by CHP followed by Q&A. Interest was high and two back-to-back sessions were therefore arranged.

Rob Bailey, Clean Harbours Partnership

Attendees included: The Langstone Residents and Village Association; Friends of Langstone Harbour; Hayling Health Society; Hayling Residents Association; Andrew Simpson Centre; Portsmouth Canoe Club; and Solent Outdoor Swimmers, plus several sailing clubs. The response to Project Spotlight was very positive with several financial pledges subsequently received.

Thank you

Groups that are supporting Project Spotlight to date include:

  • Bosham Association
  • Chichester Yacht Club
  • Bosham SC
  • Emsworth Yacht Harbour
  • Emsworth Slipper SC
  • SOSCA
  • Hayling Island SC
  • Bosham Association
  • Emsworth SC
  • Portsmouth Canoe Club
  • Friends of Langstone Harbour
  • Plus, several individual contributions.
  • Dell Quay SC
  • Bosham Swimmers
  • Itchenor SC
  • Emsworth Residents Association
  • Langstone SC
  • Langstone Residents & Village Assoc
  • Hayling Ferry SC
  • Andrew Simpson Centre
  • Hayling Health Society
  • Hayling Island Residents Association
  • Locks SC

What’s Next?

The teams and logistics are being put together for 17 water sampling sites around the harbour. Samples will be frozen and sent to Brunel university for analysis. More in the next issue….