Raw sewage is reportedly surfacing on the streets, according to a campaigner involved in Channel 4’s Dirty Business, who criticized the Environment Agency. Ash Smith accused the regulator of neglecting its duty to monitor waterways, a task being undertaken by grassroots activists nationwide.
The efforts of Ash Smith and Prof Peter Hammond from Windrush Against Sewage Pollution to uncover the issue of untreated sewage being discharged into rivers are prominently featured in Channel 4’s impactful three-part series. The program also highlights Julie Maughan’s fight, whose daughter Heather Preen contracted E.coli, leading to her tragic death after a beach visit in Devon in 1999.
Despite South West Water denying responsibility for Heather’s death, Ash and Peter, portrayed by David Thewlis and Jason Watkins in the series, have dedicated years to investigating water companies’ practices with the help of whistleblowers. Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Ash emphasized the lack of significant changes despite their persistent calls for action.
He expressed concerns about ongoing pollution incidents, stressing the dangers of untreated sewage containing harmful bacteria, even surfacing in manholes on streets where people drive through. Prof Hammond urged the public to channel their anger into demanding more accountability from authorities and advocating for public control of the water industry.
In response to the documentary’s portrayal, an Environment Agency spokesperson highlighted the organization’s recent improvements in addressing water pollution through enhanced resources and increased inspections of water company assets. The spokesperson mentioned ongoing legal actions against Thames Water for sewage discharges and past successful prosecutions against water and sewerage companies.
Overall, the documentary aims to raise awareness and incite public action against water pollution issues, urging individuals to push for stricter regulations and public oversight of the water industry.
