ESSC Environmental Matters
Emsworth Slipper is keen to look after our environment. We want our activities to have minimal and ideally positive impact on the wonderful harbour in which we sail and on the wider national environment by measures to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible.
Our new environmental lead is Kate McNicol.
Water quality awareness in Chichester Harbour 2026
There is growing concern about pollution affecting the waters of Chichester Harbour. Maintaining good water quality is essential for the health of the harbour's wildlife and for all of us who enjoy sailing and other water activities.
Chichester Harbour Conservancy carries out regular water sampling throughout the year. Although the harbour is not classified as designated bathing water, results are assessed against recognised standards to indicate potential pollution levels. Current water quality results are available online via the Conservancy website: Chichester Harbour Conservancy Water Quality.
After periods of heavy rainfall, sewage discharges and surface runoff can enter the harbour more easily and increase bacteria levels. The risk is highest in the 72 hours following significant rainfall. Guidance on this and related advice can be found on the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Swimminginformation pages.
The Environment Agency gives guidance on swimming at designated beaches around the country through Swimfo.
Southern Water operates the Rivers and Seas Watchservice, formerly known as BeachBuoy. This provides real time information about storm overflow activity and wastewater releases. Users can also sign up for notifications through the Southern Water website.
Surfers Against Sewageoffers the Safer Seas and Rivers Service app. This provides pollution alerts and water quality information and can be useful for all harbour users.
The Final Straw Foundation is a registered charity and is running daily water testing research project with Portsmouth University. Testing is being done from the Emsworth Harbour pontoon amongst other various location. For further information check their website, Facebook page or Instagram account.
If you believe you have become unwell after contact with harbour water, report this to your local council Environmental Health team. In the Havant area this can be done via the Havant Borough Council contact pageby selecting Environmental Health.
Water pollution incidents should be reported to the Environment Agencyeither online or by calling the 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060. Reporting as soon as possible and providing a photograph helps the authorities identify the cause and type of pollution.
Our shared responsibility
Water quality is not only shaped by large scale infrastructure and regulation. It is influenced by everyday choices made by all of us. What goes down household drains, how we use water at home and how we maintain our boats, all have an impact.
Local water companies face increasing pressure from population growth, ageing systems and heavier rainfall events. Reducing unnecessary water use, avoiding harmful chemicals and disposing of waste responsibly are simple steps that help reduce strain on the network and lower the risk of pollution entering our harbour.
As members of a sailing community, we depend on clean water. By staying informed, reporting concerns, and being mindful of how we use and protect water, we each play a part in safeguarding Chichester Harbour for the future.
Last updated 20:10 on 17 September 2026