Southern Water have admitted their waste water overflow monitoring equipment hasnt been delivering the results needed. Over the past eight months 300 alerts were given but only 80 have been verified.
Some discharges have only been reported after the incident has passed. Eastney Cruising Association said theyve received alerts up to six days late. This is no good to members says sailing secretary Bob Evans. Real time information is needed so people are aware that discharges are happening.
Electronic sensors monitor all discharges which can be a mix of storm water and untreated sewage. An alarm is triggered once levels reach a certain amount an automated notice should then go out. Unfortunately verifications have been taking days.
A spokeswoman from Southern Water said: “We are looking into ways of improving the verifications process to ensure a full set of withdrawal notices are issued to the harbour board while keeping it as real-time as possible as this would give a more accurate picture of activity.”
