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Water: West Sussex

Asked by Alison GriffithsConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 2 June 2026UIN 2474

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with Southern Water on improving bathing water quality at coastal sites in West Sussex.

Answered by Emma Hardy

Recent discussions by Defra and its Arms Length Bodies with Southern Water have focused on improving bathing water quality at priority coastal sites in West Sussex, particularly those classified as ‘poor’ or ‘at risk’. The Environment Agency, Southern Water and local authorities are holding regular, site-specific technical meetings, alongside broader stakeholder engagement, to coordinate targeted action.

Work is ongoing to carry out extensive checks of sewerage infrastructure and identify and rectify misconnections. Partnership liaison groups are in place with Adur & Worthing Council and Arun District Council to oversee progress.

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