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Data HQ Toolkit
How to use the Surfers Against Sewage Data HQ
Welcome to Data HQ, the ultimate hub for water quality data, built to empower communities and drive change. This is where all Surfers Against Sewage data comes together in one place. It’s ready to be explored, understood, and used to tackle sewage pollution. Whether you’re a seasoned campaigner, a curious data enthusiast, or just passionate about protecting our waters, this is your space.
What you’ll find in Data HQ:

Comprehensive data
Dive into water quality data – from citizen science testing, to sickness reports and real-time sewage discharges.

Campaign support
We break down the data to help you use it effectively in your campaigns, and make the biggest impact possible.

Community investigations
Explore investigations and connect with others working to uncover the truth about sewage pollution. Or share your own findings to inspire collective action.
The Data HQs
Data HQ has four key areas of focus, each designed to help you understand and use water quality data in the fight against sewage pollution.
Explore our new Sewage Map, which tracks discharges from every sewage overflow in England. This map offers a detailed look at pollution in your area, with insights into how it differs from the real-time alerts provided by our Safer Seas and Rivers Service app.
Dive into the results of our citizen science programme, where communities contribute to testing and monitoring water quality. Learn what the results mean, find out how to get involved, and see how collective efforts are driving change.
Discover when and where people are falling ill after using the water. This data shines a light on how sewage pollution impacts human health. Use it to strengthen campaigns, push for better protections and highlight the urgent need for cleaner water.
Recreational Data HQ evidences when, where and how we use our rivers, lakes or beaches. We need your help to show how many of us swim, surf, paddle and play – to evidence how much pollution threatens public health. You can view popular recreational spots and add your own.
Why use Data HQ?
We believe data is powerful. But it can be daunting. That’s why we want to make it accessible, clear and actionable.
Data HQ isn’t just a tool; it’s a community. A place where ideas spark, campaigns grow, and we work together to keep the pressure on ending sewage pollution.
Help us shape Data HQ
This is just the beginning. If you have ideas, questions or investigations you’d like to share, we want to hear from you. Your feedback will help us shape Data HQ into an even more effective tool for change.
Together, we can turn information into action and keep the momentum going in the fight against sewage pollution. Dive in, explore and let’s make waves!