The Environment Agency has issued a bathing water alert for Totland Bay following a sewage pollution incident, with residents and visitors being advised not to swim in the area.
Warnings have also been extended to nearby Colwell Bay, where bathing is also being discouraged while the incident is investigated.
The Isle of Wight Council has issued a public notice on social media advising people to avoid entering the water and to keep children and animals away from the affected areas.
A large number of Southern Water vehicles are present at Totland Bay, near the pier, this afternoon.
Island Echo understands that treated sewage water was released into the sea for around 60 minutes due to a pump failure at Maderia Road.
Sewage water can contain bacteria and viruses, which may cause illness if people come into contact with contaminated water.
Residents are being advised to wash thoroughly with soap and water if contact occurs, as hand sanitiser does not kill all viruses that may be present.
Further updates are available via Southern Water’s River and Sea Watch service and the Environment Agency bathing water alerts page.
Anyone requiring further assistance is being asked to contact Environmental Health on 01983 823000.
Southern water are really causing some chaos on the Island at the moment, with their polluted bathing water and carved up roads. Why are we all being screwed out of so much money for so much incompetence?
We are paying for their incompetence
it’s a joke.
Spot on. What an atrocious company
I’ve made a typographical error in my comment. Please don’t approve’ it, or if you do, please change ‘with’ to ‘without.’
What about Brambles Chine beach, is that contaminated too?
We just had exactly the same ‘incident’ at Gurnard!! A pump failure. What a coincidence. Compensation anyone? Why the hell are we all still paying them?
Along with Cowes and Gurnard. Just in time for the heatwave bank Holiday weekend, and half term! How is this being allowed to happen?