Motion for the Ocean

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.”

It is the UN Ocean Decade and the tide is turning on Ocean neglect. Our Ocean and climate are in a state of emergency, and whilst many local authorities have already declared a climate emergency, the Ocean is still missing from many of our climate action plans. We want to support local and national governments take action to improve Ocean health.

Call a Motion for the Ocean

More about water testing…………..

In March 2023 Havant Council agreed a full programme of water quality sampling would begin in Langstone Harbour. https://www.havant.gov.uk/2023/havant-borough-council-agrees-motion-continue-monitor-seawater-sampling

As part of the programme, seven sampling sites were identified and water samples taken from those areas are being tested during a 20-week period, to understand what the environmental, health and safety impacts are within the harbour. The samples are being taken by Langstone Harbour Board, who already have a presence on the water, before being taken for independent laboratory analysis.

It was felt felt that monitoring was necessary to ensure public health protection, as the area is popular with water sport enthusiasts who regularly undertake activities such as kite surfing, wind surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and sailing.

The council is already working closely with the Environment Agency, Portsmouth City Council, Southern Water and the Langstone Harbour Board to ensure water quality is the best it can be however the councils own harbour sampling programme will provide meaningful results that will serve as judgement to the quality of the water.