Every sewage outlet between Littlehampton and Seaford which can impact water quality has pumped raw waste into the sea in the past 24 hours.

A further three in Bognor, one in Bexhill and another in Hastings means Southern Water has released untreated sewage into the sea at 15 Sussex bathing sites within the last day.

Swimmers have been warned that the releases could negatively impact water quality at all sites but Littlehampton.

Lewes District councillor Sean MacLeod said earlier this week that Southern Water’s repeated sewage dumping is unacceptable.

The Argus: Red flags at Hove Beach signalling that the water is unsafe to swim inRed flags at Hove Beach signalling that the water is unsafe to swim in (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

“Our residents pay thousands each year in bills and deserve better from both water companies,” he said.

“The dumping of sewage by Southern Water has become commonplace. They don't change and we have a government that doesn't want to do anything.”

“It is clear that we cannot trust commercial companies to keep our water supply and disposal safe and clean. We need to take water back into public ownership.”

The Argus: A view of Brighton Marina with discoloured water in the seaA view of Brighton Marina with discoloured water in the sea (Image: Submitted)

But the water company responded by saying storm releases are a procedure permitted by its regulator when the system becomes overwhelmed.

It highlighted that although it is allowing untreated sewage into our bathing sites, releases are “heavily diluted” and comprise roughly 95 per cent rainwater.

A spokesman for Southern Water said: “The UK’s network of storm overflows prevent flooding of homes and schools when surface water levels increase in the sewer network during wet weather.

The Argus: Swimmers have been warnedSwimmers have been warned (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

“However, we recognise that this system is no longer acceptable to our customers and communities, so we are acting to reduce the flow and increase our capacity.”

The company released sewage into the waterways 16,000 times in 2022.

READ MORE: Southern Water nominated for awards despite sewage spills

It comes after The Argus reported on Friday that Southern Water has been nominated for three accolades at this year’s Water Industry Awards for its work to “protect and enhance” the environment.

It sparked outrage among the community, with Brighton and Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey saying at the time: “Senior water company executives responsible for the disgusting dumping of sewage in our sea should be facing criminal investigation, not eyeing up trophy cabinets.”

The winners will be announced on June 29, and The Argus will bring you the results.