Swimmers in Devon have been warned about the dangers of open water swimming, including cold water shock. Nearly 200 people died from accidental drownings in the UK last year, with 28 in May alone, according to the National Water Safety Forum (NWSF). The NWSF said cold water shock was “the body’s response to sudden immersion...
Two major new reservoir projects have been fast-tracked in a bid to shore up England’s water supplies, the government has announced. The projects in East Anglia and south Lincolnshire have been declared “nationally significant”, allowing them to speed through the planning process. But overriding local objections can be unpopular and the reservoirs could still be...
Getty Images Thames Water has been fined a record £122.7m and been told it has “let down its customers and failed to protect the environment” by the water regulator Ofwat. The company has huge debts and is struggling to fix leaks, stop sewage spills, and modernise outdated infrastructure. It serves about a quarter of the...
Thames Water has been fined £122.7m for breaching of rules relating to its wastewater operations and dividends payments. It is the biggest ever penalty issued by the water regulator Ofwat. The regulator said the fines followed its “biggest and most complex investigation” and confirmed it would be paid paid by the company and its investors,...
The boss of South West Water has apologised unreservedly for a parasite outbreak in south Devon a year ago. In an interview with BBC Spotlight’s Victoria Graham, Pennon Group chief executive Susan Davy also responded to criticism over bill rises, sewage spills and her remuneration. Video: Erin Black Read full article at source...
Elliot Ball BBC News, South West Victoria Graham BBC Spotlight presenter BBC Susan Davy said she had sleepless nights during Brixham’s cryptosporidium outbreak The boss of South West Water (SWW) has said she unreservedly apologises for a parasite outbreak in south Devon a year ago. In an interview with the BBC, Pennon Group CEO Susan...
Tamar Crossings Inspections in the dry dock showed a need for further essential repairs A ferry service said work on its vessel Lynher was continuing following a “significant milestone” in its refit process. Tamar Crossings said a period in dry dock in Falmouth had enabled work to be carried out on replacing systems and equipment...
The eradication of an invasive crayfish from a Devon reservoir will “never happen”, South West Water has said. It comes as the firm revealed a new plan to reduce numbers of the problematic American signal crayfish at Burrator reservoir by tackling its spawning grounds. South West Water has tried many tactics over the years to...
The Environment Agency has begun its weekly sampling of water at 155 monitored beaches and river bathing sites in Devon and Cornwall. Sampling will continue until the end of September, with updates available on the Swimfo website, it said. Samples are tested for harmful bacteria such as E. Coli and intestinal enterococci. The agency said...
Youngsters are set to splash into summer, with Exeter’s popular water play facilities preparing to reopen. The much-loved paddling pools at Heavitree Pleasure Ground and the fun-filled St Thomas Splash Pad are set to open up again on Friday 23 May. It means that with warm weather arriving early, families across the city will soon...
This story was originally published by ProPublica. ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox. Just one year ago, JD Vance was a leading advocate of the Great Lakes and the efforts to restore the largest system of freshwater on...
Firefighters have highlighted the dangers of falling into the water at Exeter Quay. A rescue demonstration during the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Be Water Aware week was aimed at educating people about the risks associated with the quay, where many people walk, cycle, or swim. Steve Fisher from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service...
Scientists have reprogrammed a robot vacuum cleaner to help charge a phone and assist in a home workout because they think the machines are currently too “idle”. Researchers from the University of Bath say the increasingly popular domestic appliances are, on average, in use for less than two hours per day, but could be working...
Charlotte Cox BBC News, South West BBC Claire Jones and Anna McCabe say keeping your mouth closed is a key to safe swimming in the sea Friends Claire Jones and Anna McCabe swim in the Devon sea as often as they can – but always with a concern at the back of their minds. “I...
HEADLINES Voluntary sector grants now lost following 12% councillor attendance record highlighting need for by-elections in absentee cases. Read more. Criminal investigation into suspended Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable dropped Will Kerr to remain suspended while IOPC resumes previously paused conduct investigation and interim chief constable James Vaughan continues to lead force. Read more....