Environment Agency issues sewage alert for Milford beach

Beach-goers have been told to stay out of the water at Milford beach after a sewage alert today.

The incident was first reported at around 1.30pm, and is expected to last until Sunday.

An Environment agency report advised against bathing “due to pollution from sewage”, adding: “This incident has been identified as an abnormal situation, water quality monitoring has been suspended.

“Monitoring will resume once the incident is over.”

New Forest District Council said the incident was caused by a power outage to Southern Water’s site which saw wastewater enter its network and flood the pumping station.

“Although the power issue has been resolved, the precautionary measure against bathing is expected to be in place from today until Sunday,” a spokesperson said.

“NFDC is installing signs on site today to advise of the no-bathing guidance.

“When safe to swim in the area the signs will be removed, and NFDC will add the information to social media channels.”

The spokesperson said NFDC was working closely with Southern Water, the Environment Agency and other partners to monitor the situation.