19 July 2023 , 14:31
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A water firm has indicated seagull faeces could be responsible for a drop in water quality at a popular seaside resort.
Southern Water is investigating what animal source E.coli found near Southsea beach in Hampshire has come from.
Portsmouth City Council warned people this week not to go into the water at a seaside in Southsea, one of the area's most popular bathing spots.
A spokesman for the firm, which admitted 51 offences related to dumping untreated sewage into the sea in 2020, said: "Seagulls are roosting under the pier which can be a problem. We have to speciate the E.coli; by looking at the samples we can find out the type of animal source it comes from."
It is believed seagulls could be responsible for a drop in water quality at the resort (Getty Images)It is working with Environment Agency and Portsmouth City Council, the latter of which said if the water at Southsea East is rated as poor later this summer it would be forced to advise people not to go into the sea on that stretch of beach from next May.
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Steve Pitt, leader of the council, which has no overall control, said: "This is an issue where all organisations involved are working together as urgently as possible to find out what’s going on and fix the problem."
The investigation has examined possible sources including ongoing coastal defence works, leaks from the pier, contaminated groundwater, as well as potential sewage releases by Southern Water, but the council says there are no sewage outfalls in the area.
There are dozens of species of gulls (Getty Images/iStockphoto)A spokesman said: “Main sewerage pipes seem to be working properly, so the main focus is now on smaller pipes connecting to them.”
Southern Water is facing a private prosecution in relation to unrelated water pollution in the River Test from a surface drain at the Nursling Industrial Estate near Southampton.
Not-for-profit group Fish Legal has issued summons against the company with the first hearing due at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on September 28.
A spokesman said: “The world-renowned River Test is a rare chalkstream habitat, one of only around 200 such rivers in the world.
“It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest supporting Atlantic salmon, otters, water voles, brook lamprey and bullhead, but less than 18% of it is in ‘favourable’ condition.
“The section between Romsey and the estuary, the focus of the criminal case, is currently classified as ‘unfavourable’ due to polluting discharges.”
Southsea is adored by tourists for its beach, pier and promenade (PA)George Graham, chairman of Fish Legal, said: “Both the water company and regulator are fully aware of the persistent pollution coming from this outfall. We cannot stand by any longer and wait for them to act.”
A spokesman for Southern Water said: “In June 2021, we were made aware of a release of diesel in the area of the Nursling Industrial Estate that escaped into the Little River Test.
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“Our teams worked quickly, and with other agencies, to protect the watercourse and surrounding environment. An Environment Agency investigation into the cause of the incident and the identity of the polluters is ongoing."