Water tests stepped up at harbour

Water quality tests are being stepped up at Chichester Harbour

The frequency of water quality testing is being stepped up at Chichester Harbour after discussions about sewage.

A meeting heard that 30 private sewage discharges into the harbour, and groundwater in the public sewer system, created "a complicated situation".

West Sussex councillor Louise Goldsmith said: "Many residents have expressed their concerns about pollution levels.

"Increased monitoring and publication of the results will help everyone gain a better understanding."

Storm water

She said the meeting heard that improvements to the Apuldram Waste Water Treatment Works would help it cope with large volumes of water during heavy rain.

And storm water discharges from an overflow at Fishbourne were being investigated, she added.

Organisations at the meeting were Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Southern Water, Portsmouth Water, Natural England, the Environment Agency, West Sussex County Council, Chichester District Council, and Surrey and Sussex Health Protection Unit.

Environment Agency monitoring is being increased from quarterly to bi-monthly testing.

And the Harbour Conservancy is set to publish the results of water quality tests each week.