More flats in Worthing found discharging sewage into sea

Eighteen more flats in Worthing have been found to be discharging sewage directly into the sea due to incorrect plumbing connections.

Southern Water identified the issue at a supported living block where wastewater had been connected to surface water drains rather than the main sewer network, meaning untreated sewage was flowing straight onto the beach.

The discovery follows a similar case earlier in March involving eight flats at Premium House on The Esplanade. In both instances, wastewater including sewage was found to be entering drains designed only for rainwater, bypassing treatment facilities and reaching the coastline within a short distance.

Southern Water said such misconnections can have a significant impact on bathing water quality, which at Worthing Beach House is currently rated poor. The company is working to identify and correct further issues, with property owners required to reconnect systems properly so wastewater is directed to treatment works rather than the sea.