During a meeting of the Full Council held today (Wednesday 22 February 2023) the council has agreed a motion to continue to work closely with partners to monitor the sampling of seawater in Langstone Harbour.
The motion, brought by Councillor Phil Mundy, called for Havant Borough Council to work with Portsmouth City Council to develop regular water quality sampling in order to understand the environmental, health and safety impact within the harbour.
During a statement responding to the motion, Councillor Elizabeth Lloyd, Cabinet Lead for Local Plan, Environment and Water Quality, said: “I can reassure this council, its members and our residents that we are already working closely with the Environment Agency, Portsmouth City Council, Southern Water and the Langstone Harbour Board to ensure our water quality is the best it can be.”
“Portsmouth City Council has already agreed it will take regular seawater samples to monitor water quality and track changes. These findings will be reported back to the Harbour Board, of which I am a member.
“We are aware of public concern about the quality of our seawater, especially among water sports enthusiasts and swimmers. We’re in regular contact with campaigners and have listened to their concerns.
“Together we will continue to protect our residents who use the harbour and hold Southern Water accountable for any prejudicial findings.”
A copy of the letter from Langstone Harbour Board to Southern Water can be found here.