A legal action against South West Water over sewage pollution in Devon has been expanded to include Newquay.

The legal action, run by the law firm Leigh Day, has already signed up more than 1,400 residents of the Exmouth area.

The inclusion of Newquay in the case follows the outrage over sewage pollution sparked by the Channel 4 docuseries ‘Dirty Business’.

The case will initially only address incidents related to sewage at Fistral Beach but is expected to expand further to include the wider Newquay region in the near future.

The claim argues that South West Water’s failings are wide and entrenched in many coastal towns across the south west with a report from water regulator Ofwat identifying “systemic failings” by the water company.

South West Water was reported in 2024 to have discharged 544,429 hours of untreated sewage into the region’s seas and rivers. The water company was also recorded as the sector’s worst performer for sewage pollution incidents that year.

South West Water dumped raw sewage in the Newquay area 221 times in 2024, which lasted for a total of 376 hours.

Across the year, this works out to an average of just over four discharges of untreated sewage every week in Newquay alone.

Campaigners argue the figures pose a “big challenge” for the local economy as Newquay sits at the centre of a surf industry that contributes over £150million annually to the Cornish economy. The appeal of the sea is also a key driver for the more than one million annual visitors to Newquay, who generate around £300million for the town.

The legal claim is allowed following a UK Supreme Court judgement from 2024, which upheld the right of private individuals to bring claims against water companies for ‘nuisance’ caused by sewage discharges in public waterways.

Campaigners and water-users are calling on Newquay residents and businesses who have been affected by sewage at Fistral Beach to join the legal action.

Justine Taylor from Clean Sea Newquay said: “Sewage in the sea ruins living here for everybody. Instead of working to protect the health of the public and the environment, South West Water has prioritised turning pollution into profit. The consequences for Newquay are clear.

“Pipes bursting, people getting sick, wildlife suffering. This legal action is a crucial opportunity for us to stick up for the place we love.”

Rob Abrams, a Newquay-based surfer, said: “It’s not just a few people having to deal with a dodgy stomach for a day or two.

“It’s the kids who’ve waited all year to come down and go surfing having their trip ruined, wild-swimmers who’ve gone out every day for years now not wanting to get in the water anymore, the dog-walkers distressed because their pet keeps getting sick, the beach-side business owners anxious about losing customers through no fault of their own.

“All the while, South West Water are paying out millions every year to their shareholders. It’s time for the people of Newquay to have their day in court, to finally hold this dirty company to account.”