Proactive Investors - Nearly one in four sea swimmers in the UK will abandon the great British seaside this year because of controversial sewage dumping by major water companies including Thames Waters and South West Water parent Pennon Group PLC (LON:PNN).
In a Savanta poll commissioned by the Liberal Democrats between July 21 and July 23, 23% of respondents said they would forgo their summer dips.
Water bosses have been in the firing line for widespread and continuing sewage dumping, with Thames Water, Pennon and Yorkshire Water bosses ditching their yearly bonuses following public outcry.
Data shows that England’s top beaches endured 8,500 hours of sewage dumping last year, with Southern Water-administered Brighton beach being among the worst hit.
Water companies have since apologised for the spills, and have pledged £10bn over seven years to address the issue.
The government has also removed the £250,000 cap on penalties, allowing the Environment Agency to impose unlimited fines on water companies.
Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Tim Farron said: “Sewage dumping by water companies is ruining the British beach holiday.
“Coastal communities are at the mercy of water companies who unapologetically discharge raw sewage into popular swimming spots.
“If this continues, tourists will turn away from British beach holidays, leaving small businesses and local tourism to suffer from their mess.”