Campaign to Improve Kent’s Coastal Water Quality Gains Momentum

Deal Castle Beach’s water quality was rated “excellent” just six years ago

The recent decline in water quality at Deal Castle Beach and other Kent coastal areas has sparked renewed calls for urgent action, as community campaigners and environmental groups fight to protect these vital natural resources.

In a concerning shift, Deal Castle Beach’s water quality rating has dropped from “excellent” in 2019 to “poor” in 2024, forcing the cancellation of the Deal Boxing Day Dip and raising alarm among residents and businesses. The decline is mirrored in other Kent locations, including Dymchurch and Littlestone.

Local campaign group Save Our Seas Deal and Walmer (Sosdaw), founded by Emily Groves, has been at the forefront of efforts to address the issue. They are calling for increased water testing, repairs to sewer leaks, and infrastructure upgrades. They’ve also petitioned the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Environment Agency (EA) to deliver a comprehensive plan to restore water quality in Deal and across the UK.

Mrs. Groves expressed her concerns: “For coastal towns like Deal, the sea is everything. We worry about the impact on quality of life for residents and the loss of tourism if our waters aren’t safe for swimming.”

The government has acknowledged the severity of the problem. A spokesperson for Defra confirmed plans to modernise bathing water regulations and implement transformative measures through the Water Bill. These include banning bonuses for water company executives who fail to meet standards and increasing inspections to hold polluters accountable.

The Green Party, which has been campaigning for years to improve water quality across the UK, welcomes the attention on this issue. Local Green Party members have consistently called for stronger regulations, significant investments in wastewater infrastructure, and stringent accountability measures for polluting companies.

What the Green Party Says

The Kent Green Party recognises the importance of clean, safe waters for communities and ecosystems alike. Green councillors have long advocated for:

  • Immediate upgrades to sewage and pipe infrastructure to prevent leakages.
  • Stronger penalties for water companies that allow pollution.
  • The adoption of nature-based solutions like wetlands to filter water naturally.
  • Greater transparency and community involvement in water management decisions.

While progress has been slow, recent government announcements, combined with grassroots campaigns like Sosdaw’s, provide a glimmer of hope. However, achieving lasting change requires sustained pressure from the public, robust legislation, and investment in environmentally sustainable solutions.

A Call to Action

The Green Party urges all Kent residents to join the fight for cleaner waters. Whether through signing petitions, supporting local initiatives, or holding water companies to account, collective action is key to ensuring our beaches and waterways are restored to their former glory.

As Deal Castle Beach’s story demonstrates, the health of our waterways is deeply intertwined with the vitality of our coastal towns. Together, we can protect these natural treasures for generations to come.

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