Lawyers leading claim in Exmouth highlight importance of legal action after data reveals more than half a million hours of sewage spilled by South West Water

Lawyers at law firm Leigh Day are leading a claim on behalf of more than 1,000 local residents and businesses who say they have suffered as a result of sewage pollution in Exmouth and the surrounding area. 

They say that the data released on last year's sewage spills highlights the importance of legal action to bring about change and improvements. 

Some 56,173 sewage spill incidents occurred in 2024 across South West Water’s network, with Leigh Day's claim alleging that spills in the Exmouth area have negatively impacted residents and businesses.  

Clients involved with the claim include business owners who say their businesses have been affected by sewage pollution, individuals who say their hobbies have been impacted by sewage pollution, and property owners who say their property has been directly affected by sewage pollution.  

The claim will look to hold South West Water accountable for the damage allegedly caused by sewage pollution, and compensate residents and businesses who say they have been negatively impacted. 

It follows legal action taken by wild swimmer Jo Bateman, also represented by Leigh Day, whose claim argues that sewage discharges into the sea by South West Water left her unable to swim at Exmouth Beach on numerous occasions.  

In total, some 3.61m hours' worth of sewage spills occurred across the country last year, representing a slight increase on 2023, with Environment Secretary Steve Reed labelling the figures as a “disgrace” and a “stark reminder” of underinvestment.  

Leigh Day solicitor Liberty Bridge, who is representing residents in the claim, said: 

“These latest figures from the Environment Agency show the scale of the problem with sewage spills across the country. Spills in South West Water’s network last year resulted in sewage flowing into waterways for 544,439 hours, which we argue has negatively impacted residents and businesses. 

"The people we represent in the Exmouth and surrounding communities believe that the legal action they are bringing against South West Water will hold the company to account for the damage they allege it has caused.”