Julie Maughan’s eight-year-old daughter, Heather Preen, died in 1999 after contracting E. coli poisoning following a family holiday at a beach in Dawlish, Devon. Heather’s illness began shortly after the family’s visit to the shore, where sewage had been discharged into the sea. Julie firmly believes Heather’s death was caused by exposure to raw sewage, although South West Water denied responsibility, citing water tests at the time that showed no presence of E. coli.
Now, more than two decades later, Julie hopes that a new Channel 4 drama, Dirty Business, will ensure Heather is remembered and spark a movement to make England’s beaches safer. Reflecting on the show, Julie told the BBC, “It was a horrible death—she was poisoned. I urged the team to depict this truth unflinchingly so that people understand what Heather and our family endured. The portrayal felt incredibly sensitive and powerful—I felt truly heard.”
Heather’s death was officially ruled a ‘misadventure’ by the coroner, who recommended tighter controls on sewage discharge and dog access to beaches. However, no definitive cause for the infection was established during the inquest. Tragically, Heather’s father, Mark Preen, took his own life in 2016.
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Actor Tom McKay, who portrays Mark in the drama, emphasized the importance of Julie’s involvement: “Julie’s support guided the script, helping us honor Heather’s story and the impact on her family. It was both a heavy responsibility and an incredible privilege.”
South West Water recently agreed to a £24 million penalty for illegal sewage discharges into the environment. Other water companies, including Thames, Yorkshire, and Northumbrian Water, were collectively fined a record £168 million in 2024 for similar violations.
Posy Sterling, the actress playing Julie, spoke passionately about the ongoing fight for truth: “Heather would be older than me now—that’s how long Julie has waited for justice. It’s heartbreaking and infuriating to see dishonesty and profiteering continue unchecked. This country deserves honesty and change.”
The drama is based on the investigative work of former detective Ash Smith and university professor Peter Hammond, who uncovered a deadly pattern of water pollution affecting communities. Their evidence, combined with whistleblower accounts and families’ stories, provided the foundation for the series.
South West Water responded: “Losing a child is devastating, and we acknowledge the lasting impact on Heather’s family. At the time, an extensive investigation involving multiple agencies found no definitive cause of the outbreak. E. coli O157, which can be carried by animals like cattle and dogs, remains a common bacteria in the environment.”
Julie Maughan’s hope is that Dirty Business will not only honor Heather’s memory but also galvanize the public and authorities to prevent further tragedies and protect England’s waterways.