Green councillors will put forward a motion at full council meeting on Tuesday calling on Exeter City Council to hold South West Water to account for shocking levels of pollution in the river Exe, and challenging them to produce an investment schedule for upgrading their infrastructure.
Councillor Tess Read, who is proposing the motion, said:
“It’s shocking that our rivers are not considered clean enough to swim in. This is water that children regularly come into close contact with through watersports. Exeter residents don’t want a river running through our city that is a potential public health hazard; they want, and deserve, a waterway that is clean and safe for people to enjoy and nature to thrive.
“As the Labour government has made improving river quality a key priority, we are urging all Exeter City councillors to push South West Water to be transparent about when and how they are going to clean up their act. Exeter residents need a clear timeline for action so they can feel confident that the antiquated sewage network is going to be made fit for purpose.”
The motion will be seconded by Green councillor James Banyard. He added:
“Residents are rightly frustrated when sewage warnings go up, when swimmers and rowers have to stay out of the water, and when the wildlife that depends on these ecosystems is put at risk.”
“As a council that has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency, and with the Exe Estuary recognised internationally for its importance, we have a duty to protect our rivers.
“By supporting this motion, we’re standing up for our residents, protecting wildlife, and demanding the transparency Exeter deserves.”