Pollution warnings can now be issued to bathers and surfers via a new app.
The free, charity-developed app, sends alerts or text messages to warn of sewage discharges and storm water at almost 250 beaches across England and Wales.
Sufers Against Sewage (SAS) developed the app in response to fears over a rise in sewage spills, and it was funded by the Environment Agency.
The iPhone and Android-available app works by alerting users when pollutions reach dangerous levels, and SAS hopes the app will help beach goers to bathe safely, avoiding illnesses such as stomach bugs, skin infections and even hepatitis.
Bathers can even report pollution incidents to the Environment Agency’s hotline via the app and can use it to send ‘must try harder’ messages to water companies.
Andy Cummins, SAS campaign director, said: "The Sewage Alert Service app informs surfers and beach users of a short term sewage discharge in real time.
"This truly is an innovative concept achieved thanks to years of campaigning against secretive CSO sewage discharges from water companies.
"Now surfers and water users are best place to make informed decisions about how, when and where they use the sea."
