A CAMPAIGNER from Teigbridge is calling for better water quality testing as a new Channel 4 drama features the true story of a child who died from an infection after holidaying in Dawlish Warren.

Stuart Reynolds, from Friends of the River Teign, says there needs to be a major overhaul of bathing water regulations to better protect swimmers and other water users.

The new docudrama Dirty Business is described as ‘a shocking real life drama of victims, whistleblowers and England’s water companies’.

The three part series, which starts tonight, explores the frequency of sewage discharges into UK waterways and raises serious questions about transparency, investment, and environmental responsibility across the water industry.

It follows the story of two unlikely detectives, played by Jason Watkins and David Thewlis, who notice fish in the river running through their Oxfordshire hamlet are dying.

They contact their water company to find out why, and the company’s strange and evasive reply sparks an investigation that remains ongoing to this day.

One of the stories featured is that of eight-year-old Heather Preen, who died from an E. coli infection while on holiday at Dawlish Warren in 1999.

She contracted the infection after being on the Blue Flag beach where days earlier a nearby storm pipe had discharged into the sea.

An inquest heard the rare strain could have come from a sewage overflow, dog faeces, or seagull droppings.

With no definitive cause identified, the coroner recorded a verdict of misadventure.

Stuart said: ‘Heather’s death was a tragedy and our thoughts are with her family.

‘Her mother, Julie Maugham, has tirelessly fundraised for Kidney Research UK and Surfers Against Sewage. Her involvement in this series is a remarkable tribute to her daughter.’

He said water quality can change in minutes.

Although Dawlish Warren was rated Excellent at the time of Heather’s death, the rare E. coli strain was never detected in bathing water samples.

Stuart, noting how quickly conditions can deteriorate, explained: ‘On Teignmouth Carnival Day last year, just 10mm of rain triggered sewage overflows and seagull contamination from the pier, causing a drastic drop in water quality within hours.’

FORT believes that water quality at the Back Beach and Shaldon could shift from Excellent to Poor – swimming not advised within 10 minutes when storm overflows are activated.

Stuart says testing procedures are outdated.

FORT argues that the current testing system—weekly samples with results taking up to 48 hours—fails to capture the worst pollution events and leaves the public exposed.

Stuart said: ‘These outdated methods are no longer fit for purpose.

‘We need rapid response testing that gives swimmers realtime information so they can make informed decisions.

‘Testing weekly is testing weakly.

‘Existing weekly tests are out of date and unfit for purpose.

‘We can, and must, do better—but that requires funding, clearer standards and a commitment to change.

‘New testing methods exist, and we’re ready to use them.’

Thanks to a grant from Shaldon Parish Council, FORT will trial a new device that delivers results within 15 minutes.

A group of regular sea swimmers will test the system over the summer, and FORT plans to demonstrate the technology to local organisations.

Stuart added: ‘In summer our water quality is usually very good, and there’s still no better place for a swim. With modern technology, we can make it even safer.’

The Environment Agency, which carries out water testing, has been asked to a response.