More than 1,000 people join legal claim against South West Water over Exmouth sewage

The claim, which launched in October 2024, alleges that sewage spills from SWW and subsequent warnings against swimming in the area have negatively affected tourism, as well as restricted locals from participating in activities such as wild swimming.

It follows legal action brought against SWW by Exmouth resident Jo Bateman, also represented by Leigh Day, whose claim argues that sewage discharges into the sea by SWW have left her unable to swim at Exmouth Beach on multiple occasions.  

Having started in Exmouth, the separate wider claim now also covers residents and businesses in Budleigh Salterton, Lympstone and the Exe Estuary, and has been joined by a wide range of people from the local community. 

Leigh Day’s clients include a cross-section of the coastal community and consist of three main groups: business owners affected by sewage pollution; individuals whose hobbies are impacted by sewage pollution; and property owners whose property has been directly affected by sewage pollution.  

They consist of sea-front businesses, swimming champions, sea swimmers who depend on access to the sea for their wellbeing and mental health, sailors, windsurfers, volunteers, dog owners who are concerned their dogs will become sick, and homeowners who allege their properties have been blighted by sewage. 

The claim will look to hold SWW accountable for the pollution, with the EA reporting that the company discharged more than half a million hours of sewage in 2023, as well as to compensate residents and businesses for the negative impact allegedly caused by the pollution. 

It is the first community-led legal action of its kind against a water company, which was made possible by a landmark Supreme Court ruling in June 2024 allowing private nuisance claims to be brought by against sewage companies for sewage discharges into waterways.  

To join the legal action, follow the link here. 

The legal team are also hosting regular meetings for anyone interested in the claim, with the next meetings being held this week (commencing 17 February) in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton. 

Leigh Day partner Oliver Holland, who is leading the claim, said: 

“We are delighted to have reached this milestone for the Exmouth sewage case. Local residents and businesses have informed of us of a range of issues they say have been caused by sewage pollution, so it is positive to see the claim continue to grow and gather momentum in the surrounding community.”