Extinction Rebellion Douses Southern Water HQ with Fake Sewage
Environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR) stormed Southern Water’s headquarters in Worthing, splashing fake sewage on the entrance steps. Their bold move slammed the water giant for polluting waterways and wrecking aquatic life with repeated sewage spills.
Southern Water Slapped as One of the Worst Offenders
Last year, Ofwat labeled Southern Water one of the UK’s worst water companies. XR protesters, decked out in hazmat suits and respirators, dramatized the dangers dirty water poses to public health and the environment.
Activists Demand End to Sewage Spills and Shareholder Bonuses
XR handed over a blunt letter to Southern Water and another firm demanding the cesspit spills stop — and that bonuses and shareholder payouts get scrapped until real change happens.
“We want an immediate halt to polluting waterways,” XR said. “No more shareholder perks until Southern Water cleans up its act.”
Southern Water Claims Massive Investment to Clean Up
The company hit back, insisting it’s investing £2 billion from 2020 to 2025 to upgrade treatment plants and reduce storm overflow events. Southern Water also said it hasn’t paid dividends since 2017.
“We’re committed to cleaner bathing waters and working with partners for a healthier environment,” a spokesperson stated.
But XR vows to keep pressure on. The protests will continue until Southern Water and others stop turning Britain’s waterways into sewage dumps.
