The mother of Heather Preen, who tragically passed away due to e-coli contamination on a Devon beach in 1999, is calling for a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to address a pressing “sewage crisis.” Julie Maughan, Heather’s mother, is determined to seek justice and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Julie expressed her unwavering determination, stating, “I will continue my fight until no other parent experiences the pain that I endure every single day.” Recalling the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Julie shared, “Heather, at the tender age of eight, lost her life to contaminated water. She was a joyful child, full of love, happiness, and friendship. Our family holiday turned into a nightmare, leaving us as a family of three instead of four.”
The devastating account of Julie’s family is featured in the impactful three-part series “Dirty Business” on Channel 4. The series sheds light on the tragic consequences of water pollution and its profound impact on families like Heather’s.
During their holiday in Dawlish, Devon, Julie, her then-husband Mark Preen, and their two daughters witnessed Heather fall ill while playing. It was later revealed that a storm pipe near the beach had discharged sewage into the sea, leading Julie to believe that Heather’s subsequent death was a direct result of exposure to raw sewage. Despite her convictions, South West Water denied any responsibility in the matter.
Julie emphasized the urgent need for accountability, stating, “Water companies have evaded responsibility for Heather’s death, and even after twenty-seven years, they continue to pollute our waterways with sewage. Their negligence poses a significant threat to public health.”
Recent data from Surfers Against Sewage revealed alarming figures of sewage discharge into bathing waters across England, with over 124,000 hours reported in 2025 and a further 46,000 hours already recorded this year. The organization is advocating for the overhaul of the current privatized water industry, criticizing the government’s lackluster response outlined in the Vision for Water White Paper.
Expressing her frustration with the government’s inaction, Julie voiced, “The government’s plans prioritize investors over the safety of our children swimming in contaminated waters. These measures offer no solace for families like mine and fail to prevent future tragedies like Heather’s. This is unacceptable.”
Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, condemned the continuous discharge of sewage into water bodies, highlighting the human toll of such negligence. He emphasized the human stories behind the statistics, citing Heather and Reuben as poignant examples of the ongoing suffering caused by water pollution.
In response, a government spokesperson offered condolences to Heather Preen’s family and outlined the government’s efforts to address water pollution. Measures include stringent regulations, increased investment, and the establishment of a new regulatory body to oversee water companies and safeguard the environment.
The call for accountability and action to ensure clean water and a safe environment remains a pressing issue for communities impacted by water pollution, as highlighted by the ongoing advocacy efforts of organizations like Surfers Against Sewage and affected individuals like Julie Maughan.