A SURFERS Against Sewage representative is calling for water companies to stop discharging storm sewage into Bournemouth waters.

Surfers Against Sewage recently reported storm sewage had been released across five Dorset beaches, polluting the water.

Wessex Water stated a storm overflow had been used, discharging ‘predominantly water’ after a bout of rainfall.

David Haze, Poole and Bournemouth representative for Surfers Against Sewage, said he is worried about the effect this will have on Bournemouth and its tourism.

“It’s very concerning that they’re saying it is used for big storms because we haven’t been having any big storms for a while. It’s very concerning if a little bit of rain is actually doing this,” said David.

“People aren’t going to be going onto Bournemouth beaches and in the sea if you’re going to be pumping sewage straight into it.”

READ MORE: Sewage released at five Bournemouth and Christchurch beaches

READ MORE: Wessex water responds to SAS claims of sewage discharge

David said he is afraid further sewage will be discharged into the water during the next spell of rain. 

He said: “Going by what happened last time, it’s probably going to happen again.

“It’s the 21st century, we shouldn’t be doing this anymore, it’s not the Victorian times.”

A spokesperson for Wessex Water previously said: “We do not believe overflows are fit for the 21st century, which is why every month we’re investing £3 million on reducing storm overflows, starting with those that discharge most frequently or have any environmental impact.”

David said the council is good ‘to a certain extent’ by advising people not to go in the water during outbreaks but thinks action needs to be taken to stop the discharge.

“I don’t think they know the damage they’re actually doing and they need to see it.

“I think fines need to be put out for these companies.”

David has been Bournemouth and Poole’s SAS representative since October 2022, and was recently awarded Ocean Activist of the Year by the organisation for his work.

Around 500 people were nominated for the award and David said ‘he was so proud’ to be recognised for his work.