Thanet and Whitstable beaches safe to swim in after sewage fears rejected
17:17, 20 August 2019
updated: 18:20, 20 August 2019
Water bosses have reassured beachgoers planning a trip to the seaside the water is safe to enter amid fears pollution had been pumped into the sea.
Campaign group Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) initially published warnings about unsafe bathing conditions at beaches in Whitstable and Thanet.
The group claimed storm sewage released earlier this week had led to water quality levels dropping which put bathers at risk.
But the claims have been categorically denied by Southern Water which insisted official water quality readings had not fallen to unsafe levels.
Water quality is monitored weekly by the Environment Agency at Tankerton beach, Joss Bay and Stone Bay - the locations which were said to be affected.
The beaches were granted Blue Flag status earlier this year which recognises the nation's best beaches and recognises the best bathing water in the country.
Official readings on the Environment Agency website revealed no adverse drops in water quality had been reported.
It is also understood no issues were raised to Canterbury City Council's beach team, which is responsible for monitoring beaches in the district.
In a statement, Southern Water, Thanet District Council and the Environment Agency, said: "We would like to jointly assure residents and visitors that the beaches in and around Thanet and Canterbury remain clean and safe.
"These beaches were all awarded good and excellent bathing water quality by the Environment Agency (EA) and have been tested weekly by the agency during the bathing water season and have passed all the stringent tests to maintain water quality.
"Joss Bay, Stone Bay and Tankerton are award-winning beaches and both Stone Bay and Tankerton have been awarded Blue Flags which is the gold standard for cleanliness, bathing water quality, beach facilities and safety.
"We hope many visitors continue to enjoy the sunshine on these beautiful beaches over the coming Bank Holiday weekend."
SAS is a charity fighting to prevent pollution in the oceans.
It also runs the Plastic Free campaign to cut down single use plastics which can flow into the water affecting the eco-system and wildlife in the world's seas.
The group said storm sewage was discharged from an overflow at the three beaches and issued a pollution alert.
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