Misconnected sewage pipes from Worthing flats discovered draining onto beach

Sewage from a block of flats in Worthing had been draining onto the beach after investigators discovered several properties were incorrectly connected to surface water drains.

Southern Water said eight flats at Premium House on The Esplanade had been plumbed into drains designed for rainwater rather than the sewer system, meaning household wastewater including sewage was being discharged directly onto the beach.

The issue was identified by Southern Water investigators who track illegal or incorrect drainage connections. The company said the owner of the block corrected the plumbing within hours of the problem being discovered. Misconnected toilets can release around 20,000 litres of sewage a year into nearby waterways or coastal areas if linked to surface drains.

Worthing Beach House bathing site has been rated poor for water quality since it was designated in 2024. Authorities say contamination of surface water drains, including misconnections and pollutants poured down drains, can contribute to pollution.

Southern Water said the discovery and repair of the faulty connections would help improve water quality, while further work continues to inspect sewers and identify additional sources of contamination.