David Levy – Sand, Sea and Sewage : More thoughts about whether our sea bathing waters are safe? – Aug 20
The scariest thing in the sea when I was a child was the thought of a great white shark and that nightmare came to life in the film Jaws when I reached my twenties.
Never did I question nor have reason to question the sea itself.
The breaking waves washing over a breakwater made for hours of fun jumping into the surf off those crusty piers. Then going on to making make-believe Norman castles out of sand, pebbles, shells and seaweed. These were the holidays of my childhood on the beaches around Cromer and Great Yarmouth and later on the sandy beaches of South Cornwall.
It was the idyllic time and the innocence of youth made the experience one you wanted for the generations to come. So what has happened to change this?
Firstly, one has to say those were times long past. Today, the water companies are still being allowed in law to discharge sewage into rivers and the sea, some of which is wholly untreated.
Secondly, when it comes to quality monitoring they can discount the worst data from their sampling which, in the final result, skews the safety record and suitability of bathing waters to swim in.
This practice occurs in many cases, and allows untreated sewage to find its way onto the beach via the surf, meaning the nasty bugs also enter into the sand and from there into our children’s bodies. It is a scandal summed up by the poster statement, “Swimming with Turds – an Environment Agency Experience for the Family.”
All that is frightening enough, but tack on to this knowledge that large factory farms are also discharging untreated animal sewage into the rivers which ends up in the sea, then you have a ‘Perfect Storm’ brewing.
It is no wonder that Sepsis and other diseases are increasing at an alarming rate, and that means long-term illnesses and even death. This is what I call a no brainer, yet the Environment Agency demands proof before they even consider the possibility.
The Perfect Storm is gathering in intensity. Whilst those responsible for our safety are doing too little – and they know this, yet everyone waits for the other to act.
Outrageous.
David Levy
