Southern Water to Replace Beachbuoy App with Rivers and Seas Watch

Southern Water is replacing its Beachbuoy app with a new sewage tracking platform, Rivers and Seas Watch, launching on November 13.

The Beachbuoy app has been a vital tool for sea-swimmers and water sports enthusiasts in Sussex, helping users monitor sewage outflows to determine the safety of bathing sites. Southern Water has announced that it will be replaced with the Rivers and Seas Watch app, which promises enhanced accuracy and usability through advanced computer modelling.

The new app will feature an upgraded design and improved functionality, including colour-coded indicators for sewage outflow activity. Green will signify no releases in the last 72 hours, amber will show releases within the last 72 hours, and red will highlight recent releases within the past 24 hours. The platform will also provide tide, current, and wind modelling for better prediction of storm overflow impacts.

Users will benefit from the ability to sign up for alerts specific to their local beaches, offering more reliable and timely information on water quality. Southern Water’s open water improvement lead, Tom Gallaher, described the updates as “major improvements to the look and feel of the site,” ensuring the app remains a critical resource for waterway users.