Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), a UK-based environmental charity, has intensified its campaign for comprehensive reform of England and Wales’s water industry, driven by concerns over sewage pollution and its impact on public health. The organization, led by CEO Giles Bristow since 2023, has gained heightened visibility through its recent activities and investigations.

In February, SAS collaborated on a high-profile event at London’s South Bank, where Channel 4 premiered the docudrama "Dirty Business," focusing on a decade-long inquiry into water company practices in England. The launch featured the "Fountain of Filth" sculpture, depicting individuals directly affected by sewage contamination. The three-part series highlighted testimonies from victims and whistleblowers, underscoring the human consequences of illegal discharges.

Since its establishment in 1990, SAS has evolved into a prominent advocacy group, notably exposing extensive illegal sewage releases into bathing waters classified as “excellent” under official standards. The charity’s investigations revealed a total of 2,263 hours of unpermitted sewage overflow discharges in 2025 alone. Bristow criticised the water companies for endangering public health and called for urgent action to address the issue.

Beyond its research and public awareness campaigns, SAS has mobilized significant public support through initiatives such as its Paddle Out protests, which have engaged hundreds of thousands of participants. The charity is actively lobbying for the UK government’s proposed Water Reform Bill to implement substantial systemic change rather than incremental adjustments.

SAS’s efforts reflect a broader push for increased accountability in the water sector, as stakeholders call for stronger regulatory oversight and improved environmental protections to prevent further pollution incidents and safeguard communities relying on clean water resources.