Beach users are being advised not to enter the sea or the area of beach below the high water mark at a number of beaches in Thanet.
This follows an unscreened wastewater release yesterday, Tuesday 5 October, by Southern Water as a result of a failure at its Wastewater Pumping Station in Broadstairs.
Signs advising the public not to enter the water are in place at beaches from Westbrook Bay around the coast to the Western Undercliff in Ramsgate.
Inspections are being undertaken by Southern Water in the affected areas to assess the impact and to ensure the beaches are cleared following the high tide.
The council will continue to monitor the situation closely alongside Southern Water and the Environment Agency.
Leader of Thanet District Council, Councillor Ash Ashbee said: “Incidents of pollution on our beaches are not only unacceptable but should simply not happen. As soon as I was alerted to this latest incident I spoke with Southern Water’s Chief Executive to express my extreme dissatisfaction and find myself yet again asking for an explanation.
“I obviously feel the frustration of local residents and businesses and will continue to push for a longer term and more robust response around the promised improvement and investment in Thanet’s wastewater system.
“Our coastline and beautiful beaches, arguably our most important natural assets, should not have to sustain continued environmental damage. Rest assured this is a fight I will continue to take to the highest possible level.”
Councillor Ash Ashbee