Susanna Reid Describes 'Chills' from Channel 4's Water Pollution Drama
Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid has revealed she experienced profound shock and discomfort while viewing a new television series that exposes the devastating impact of water pollution in England. The ITV star admitted to getting "chills" after watching Channel 4's programme Dirty Business, which investigates the scandal of raw sewage being dumped into waterways.
Heartbreaking Case of Heather Preen Highlighted
At the core of the drama is the tragic story of Heather Preen, an eight-year-old girl who died in 1999 after contracting e-coli 0157. Reid recounted on air how Heather visited a beach in Dawlish, Devon, walked through a puddle contaminated with raw sewage, and fell fatally ill, passing away in hospital less than two weeks later. "We went on holiday as a family of four. We came back a family of three. No one should lose their child," the presenter quoted Heather's mother from the series.
Reid emphasized the programme's stark depiction of pollution, noting it shows not only human waste but also items like tampons, sanitary products, and toilet paper in water. "It's absolutely unconscionable. It's revolting," she stated, adding that the issue affects many who live near rivers.
Campaigners and Regulatory Criticism
The series features amateur investigators Peter Hammond and Ash Smith, who appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss their findings. They argued that current regulation is "not working," citing underfunding and restrictions on regulators. Reid compared the scandal to Mr. Bates versus the Post Office for uncovering a hidden crisis.
Co-host Ed Balls presented a counterpoint from the Environment Agency, which claimed the film does not reflect recent organisational changes to tackle water pollution more effectively. The agency noted 69 prosecutions against water and sewage companies since 2015.
Reid, having watched all three episodes, concluded, "It gives me the chills that, you know, it is shocking. It's disgusting. It will make you feel sick." The discussion underscores ongoing public and media concern over environmental health and safety in the UK.
