Temporary Bathing Warning at Milford on Sea Beach & Dane Stream

Update Tuesday 20th August 2024

Southern Water has apologised and promised to launch an investigation after a sewage discharge killed hundreds of fish in the Dane Stream, Milford on Sea.

The company said an electrical fault at its pumping station was the issue.

The Environment Agency website no longer has a warning again bathing locally. Please click here.

Milford on Sea's Bathing Water Profile has had 'Excellent bathing water quality' for many years and holds the highest 3 Star rating. 

Let's hope that incidents such as this do not reoccur.

----------------------------------

Yesterday, Friday 16th August 2024, The New Forest District Council issued a temporary warning against bathing and swimming in Milford on Sea. This warning is expected to be lifted on Sunday 18th August 2024. Notices have been placed along the seafront and cliffs.

It has also been observed that large numbers of dead fish are lying in the Dane Stream in the Pleasure Grounds, and one dead fish was also seen under New Lane bridge over The Cut.

As at 7am this morning there were no warnings on the Dane Stream or The Cut Footbridges where numbers of children go crabbing, so those with children, or dogs, might wish to keep them out of the water for now.

Reports have been made to all official bodies. An assumption that the the dead fish and the 'incident' on the warning notices may be connected is not unreasonable.

The incident, is reported to have been caused by a power outage to Southern Water's site, which resulted in wastewater (sewage) entering their network and flooding the pumping station.

It is hard to say how disappointing this is in light of the village being so used to having a 'Blue Flag Beach.'  Hopefully, our normal safe fun in the sea will be restored soon.

To view the current situation, please click here.

--------------------------

The New Forest District Council issued the following warning: 

Milford on Sea - Advice against bathing issued

An advisory has been issued by the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) Environment Agency (EA) against bathing in the sea at Milford on Sea.

The incident, caused by a power outage to Southern Water's site, resulted in wastewater entering their network and flooding the pumping station.

Although the power issue has been resolved, the precautionary measure against bathing is expected to be in place from today (Friday 16 August 2024) until Sunday, 18 August 2024.

We are installing signs on site today to advise of the no bathing guidance.

When safe to swim in the area the signs will be removed, the Environment Agency's website will be updated, and we will add the information to our social media channels.

We are working closely with Southern Water, the Environment Agency, and other partners to monitor the situation.