Langstone raft race to proceed as Southern Water clears sewage concerns
The Ship Inn's annual raft race will go ahead on August 15 after Southern Water found no sewage leaks in the area
The annual raft race at The Ship Inn in Langstone is due to go ahead despite fears that water quality near the pub might have worsened after strange bubble-like growths appeared in the water over the weekend.
The race is due to take place on Saturday, August 15, but the event was put in doubt after a kayaker posted pictures of the odd sight on social media on Saturday morning, and reported that wet wipes were also spotted along the shoreline of the Sweare Deep tidal channel in Langstone.
However, despite much speculation that these changes were a result of a sewage leak, a Southern Water spokesperson said: “Following our precautionary site investigations and checks of our wastewater assets, we found no evidence to suggest these reports are linked to our network. There have been no storm overflow releases in the area, as shown on our Rivers and Seas Watch service, and all relevant assets are operating normally.
A contractor for Southern Water also tested a pool of water in the affected area, which showed no detectable ammonia that would indicate any sewage had been output into the water. Nearby sewage outfalls also returned the same result. As a result, the Ship Inn raft race will be held as scheduled at 2pm on Saturday.
The unusual sight was attributed to “naturally occurring algae blooms”, rather than any disposal of sewage into the water.
“At this time of year, naturally occurring algae blooms can sometimes create a creamy-brown scum on the water and produce a smell similar to rotting eggs, which can easily be mistaken for sewage,” said the spokesperson.
Southern Water said: “We understand the concern that reports like this can cause for local residents and visitors, particularly during the summer when many people are enjoying the coastline.
“While our investigations have not identified any issues with our wastewater network, any assessment of the source of the material reported would sit with the Environment Agency.”