The mother of Heather Preen, who tragically passed away from e-coli contracted at a Devon beach in 1999, is calling for a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to address a pressing “sewage crisis.”
Julie Maughan, determined and resolute, declared her unwavering commitment: “I will persist until no parent has to endure what I face every day.”
Recalling the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Julie shared, “My daughter Heather was just eight years old when contaminated water claimed her life. She was a vibrant child who knew only joy, love, and companionship. That summer, our family of four embarked on a holiday, only to return as a family of three.”
Their poignant narrative is depicted in the impactful three-part Channel 4 series, Dirty Business, which premiered recently.
Julie, along with her then-husband Mark Preen and their two daughters, was on vacation when Heather fell ill while playing. Heather’s illness occurred shortly after a storm pipe discharge into the sea near Dawlish, Devon.
Despite Julie’s conviction that Heather’s death was linked to sewage exposure, South West Water denied any responsibility.
Expressing her dismay, Julie stated, “Water authorities have evaded accountability for Heather’s tragedy, and even after twenty-seven years, they continue to discharge sewage into our water systems. Their ability to safeguard our well-being is questionable.”
Recent data from Surfers Against Sewage reveals alarming figures, indicating sewage discharges into England’s bathing waters for extensive durations in both 2025 and the current year.
An investigative report by The Sunday Mirror highlighted significant payouts to top executives at major water companies in England, juxtaposed with substantial dividends declared.
The documentary, Dirty Business, also highlights the story of teacher Reuben Santer, who developed an incurable ear condition, Ménière’s Disease, following surfing at Saunton Beach in Devon.
Surfers Against Sewage is advocating for governmental intervention to overhaul the privatized water industry, criticizing the government’s Vision for Water White Paper.
Julie criticized the government’s lack of concrete action to safeguard swimmers and prevent similar tragedies, emphasizing the inadequacy of current plans in ensuring public safety.
Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, emphasized the human impact behind the statistics, highlighting the ongoing suffering of individuals like Heather and Reuben due to contaminated waters.
In response, South West Water acknowledged the devastating loss and highlighted the extensive investigations that failed to pinpoint a definitive cause of the outbreak.
A government representative expressed condolences to Heather Preen’s family and outlined ongoing efforts to enhance water quality and industry accountability through legislative reforms.
The government’s long-term strategy aims to establish a new regulatory framework focused on proactive prevention, stricter oversight, and enhanced environmental protection measures within the water sector.