A leading charity has launched a new app to warn swimmers and surfers in Scotland about sewage discharges in real time, highlighting a long standing issue of pollution in bathing waters. Surfers Against Sewage says this tool will help people stay safe while pushing for cleaner coasts, as concerns grow over health risks from raw sewage spills.
Charity Launches App to Combat Hidden Pollution Risks
Surfers Against Sewage rolled out the Safer Seas and Rivers Service app on September 15, 2025, aimed at giving users instant alerts on sewage discharges near Scotland’s beaches. The group points out that swimmers have been left unaware of these risks for years, often entering waters contaminated by overflows during heavy rain.
This move comes amid rising public outcry over water quality in the UK. The app covers all 89 designated bathing sites in Scotland, with alerts triggered if a combined sewer overflow happens within 2 kilometers. Users can check conditions before heading out, reducing chances of illness from bacteria like E. coli.
Scottish Water, the public utility, defends the discharges as essential to prevent flooding in homes and businesses. Yet critics argue that better infrastructure is needed to stop these events from harming public health and the environment.
The app builds on years of campaigning by Surfers Against Sewage, which has tracked thousands of spills across the UK. In 2024 alone, data showed over 24,000 sewage incidents in Scotland, lasting more than 200,000 hours, based on reports from a small fraction of overflow points.
Health Dangers and Recent Incidents Highlight Urgency
Sewage pollution poses serious threats, including stomach bugs, skin infections, and long term environmental damage. Swimmers and surfers face higher risks, with some reporting illnesses after time in affected waters.
Recent events underscore the problem. In September 2025, a surfing competition in England was canceled mid event due to sewage alerts, forcing participants out of the water. Similarly, a group of elite athletes swam the River Thames that month to protest pollution, but had to stop in areas with high E. coli levels.
In Scotland, half of the most popular beaches have faced sewage issues, with only 56 percent rated as excellent for water quality in 2024. This is the lowest rate among UK nations, sparking calls for action from groups and locals.
Experts note that climate change worsens the issue, with heavier rains overwhelming outdated sewer systems. Public figures like musician Feargal Sharkey have amplified the message, sharing stories of contaminated beaches and urging government intervention.
Here are key health risks linked to sewage polluted waters:
- Bacterial infections from E. coli and other pathogens
- Viral illnesses such as hepatitis
- Skin rashes and eye irritations
- Long term harm to marine life and ecosystems
How the New App Works and Its Impact
The Safer Seas and Rivers Service app is free to download and provides location based notifications for over 600 UK spots, including Scotland’s coasts. It uses data from water companies and environmental agencies to issue warnings within minutes of a discharge.
Users praise its simplicity, with features like maps showing current alerts and historical data on spill frequency. For instance, popular sites like Portobello Beach near Edinburgh often see warnings after storms.
Surfers Against Sewage hopes the app empowers people to make informed choices and pressure authorities for change. It ties into their 2025 Water Quality Report, which calls for an end to sewage pollution by 2030 through major investments.
While the app does not guarantee water safety, it offers the best available info in a system where real time monitoring is limited. Scottish officials have welcomed the tool but stress ongoing efforts to upgrade sewers.
| Bathing Site | CSOs Within 2km | 2024 Quality Rating | Recent Alerts (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portobello Beach | 3 | Good | 12 |
| Gullane Bents | 1 | Excellent | 5 |
| Aberdeen Beach | 2 | Poor | 18 |
| Nairn Central | 4 | Good | 9 |
| Troon South Beach | 2 | Excellent | 7 |
This table shows examples of Scotland’s bathing waters, highlighting proximity to sewer overflows and recent alert trends.
Broader UK Context and Calls for Change
Sewage issues extend beyond Scotland, with England reporting hundreds of thousands of spill hours in 2024. Campaigns like the Thames Swim Against Sewage in September 2025 drew global attention, involving Olympic swimmers testing water quality along the river.
Public sentiment, seen in social media posts, shows frustration with water companies prioritizing profits over fixes. In Scotland, 48 of 89 bathing waters are near overflows, affecting tourism and local economies.
Environmental groups demand stricter regulations, including fines for polluters and deadlines for system upgrades. The UK government has pledged reviews, but activists say action must speed up to protect public health.
Future Steps and What It Means for Swimmers
Looking ahead, Surfers Against Sewage plans to expand the app with more features, like user reported sightings of pollution. They urge collaboration with water firms to improve data sharing and reduce discharges.
For swimmers, this means greater awareness but also a reminder of systemic problems. Experts recommend checking apps before swims, avoiding water after heavy rain, and supporting clean water petitions.
As pollution debates heat up, this app marks a step toward transparency. Share your thoughts on sewage issues in the comments below, and spread the word to help push for cleaner waters.
