Hi John,

January brought big storms, solid swell - and far too many sewage alerts on our app. Once again, pollution stopped us from safely enjoying our wild waters. 💩

And now, just one week after the Government unveiled its weak Vision For Water, households are being hit with yet another rise in water bills - forcing the public to pay more to prop up a broken, debt-ridden system that continues to pollute. 🤬🤬🤬

If you’re sick of sewage flowing, bills rising and a government failing to act - you’re not alone. This February, there are plenty of ways to get involved in the fight for clean water, from manifesto handovers to having your say on government plans. 

Meanwhile, we’ve been busy behind the scenes taking on plastic pollution - from exposing the biggest polluting brands to responding to major circular economy consultations. ✊

Find out what’s happening below ⬇️

Have your say on the gov’s White Paper

The Government’s Vision for Water white paper finally dropped last week - and it fell dangerously short. Packed with vague promises but lacking real action, it does little to stop sewage pollution or hold water companies properly to account.

We’ll be sharing an opportunity next week for you to have your say on the Government’s plans and what real, people-powered reform should look like. Stay tuned! 📢

Manifesto handovers in Scotland & Wales

The 2026 elections in Scotland and Wales are a chance to make clean, safe water a political priority. We’ve worked with local orgs to create devolved manifestos for each nation, setting out bold solutions to tackle sewage, plastic, and chemical pollution. 🌊

Now we’re taking these manifestos directly to the decision-makers. Join us to meet your representatives, make your voice heard and help turn the tide on water pollution.

Discover how to protect your local waterway

Whether it’s your local river, beach, or lake, communities across the UK can apply for Bathing Water Status, giving your spot regular water quality monitoring, greater accountability, and long-term protection.

We’re hosting a free online session to explain how your community can apply and how Surfers Against Sewage can support you every step of the way.

📅 Wednesday 25 February 2026
⏰ 6–7pm
📍 Online (Zoom)

We’ll cover what Bathing Water Status is, the application process, evidence you need, and leave plenty of time for questions.

Rave On For The Avon online film screening

You're invited to the first-ever online screening of Rave On for the Avon - a joyous, defiant and absolute stunner of a documentary following a community fighting to protect the river they love. 💙

The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with Director Charlotte Sawyer, campaigner and ecologist Eva Perrin (who features in the film), and our very own Community Water Quality Manager Kirsty Davies.

The film will be available to stream for 24 hours online from 19 February. You don't want to miss this one, trust us! Watch the trailer here and grab your tickets below. 👇

Last chance to join our running challenge (and get your free SAS T shirt!)

Feeling frustrated about rising water bills and government inaction? Let's channel that anger into real impact! Run, walk or jog 47 miles across the month of February to help raise funds to end sewage pollution. 

Don't miss your chance to start February with a feel-good buzz (and getting some solid kudos from your fellow water lovers). Sign up today to receive your free T-shirt, tracker and the chance to earn goodies along the way! 🏅

Update on the People vs Plastic ✊

A huge thank you to everyone who donated to our People vs Plastic appeal in December. Your support has helped us hit the ground running in 2026 - and we’ve got some big, bold plans coming this year.

Here are a few highlights from January:

📊 Created a new plastic database pulling together all of our Million Mile Clean data to fuel our campaigning

🥤 Audited the biggest polluting brands from 2025 to inform our upcoming report

♻️ Responded to Scotland's Circular Economy Strategy, using our 2025 Million Mile Clean data to highlight the urgent action needed

📿Collected data on biomedia, including bio-beads and bio-discs, so we can uncover the scale of this crisis

✊Developed our brand lobbying campaign to hold the big polluters to account

🌱 Getting ready to meet with Minister Mary Creagh in Febuary to discuss EPR Policy, demanding that polluters must pay the true cost of their waste

Community spotlight: Kay, Plastic Free Axminster 🏆

Kay has led Plastic Free Axminster since 2021, and since then, she’s brought her community together. Organising beach cleans and working with schools, businesses and local groups to show that recycling alone won’t solve the plastic problem.

In recognition of her incredible impact, Kay has been awarded Axminster Citizen of the Year 2026 (Robin Cross Award) for her outstanding contribution to the local community and environment.

"I got involved for future generations, for the animals, fish, birds, the oceans, the mountains, the lakes, the trees, not to mention human health. We are all stewards of the planet."