Water pollution

Beach pollution and oil spills on the shoreline, and general water pollution reporting

Oil on the Shoreline
Incidents involving shipping in Southampton water can lead to oil spills which may result in the coastline of Netley, Hamble and Bursledon being affected.

We are responsible for cleaning the shoreline in Eastleigh above the low water line and if an incident occurs we will put an emergency plan and warning signs in place. If you see an oil spill, please report this to us below including the full address and details of the incident.

Objects and debris on the shoreline
If chemical containers or other large objects are deposited on the shoreline please contact us immediately and stay upwind, away from the incident area. 

General waste on the shoreline
We undertake periodic shoreline cleaning to remove any waste and litter left on the shoreline on the high water mark. Please note that general litter and dog fouling should not be reported here.


The Environment Agency manages the following environmental incidents:

  • damage or danger to the natural environment
  • pollution to water or land
  • poaching or illegal fishing
  • dead fish or fish gasping for air
  • main rivers blocked by a vehicle or fallen tree causing risk of flooding
  • flooding from any river, stream, canal, natural spring or the sea
  • incidents at Environment Agency-regulated waste sites
  • illegal removals from watercourses
  • unusual changes in river flow
  • collapsed or badly damaged river or canal banks