Devon Story, National Impact: Local Film Exposes Sewage Crisis this Earth Day 

Libraries Unlimited is inviting people across Devon to come together for a series of special screenings of Jo in the Water for Earth Day 2026.

Jo in the Water follows Exmouth swimmer and campaigner Jo Bateman as she challenges sewage dumping and takes legal action against South West Water. What begins as a local story grows into an issue of national significance, affecting coastlines across the UK. 

Working in partnership with CAG Devon, the Community Lottery Fund and the filmmakers, Libraries Unlimited is using its network of libraries to turn this powerful Devon story into a shared community experience. The project is also supported by organisations Surfers Against Sewage and River Action. 

The screenings will take place in libraries and community spaces as part of Libraries Unlimited’s Together for Tomorrow climate action initiative. 

Together for Tomorrow, funded by the National Lottery Climate Action Fund, transforms libraries into hubs for local climate action. 

The project includes a range of initiatives, from workshops and repair cafés to sustainability projects helping people turn ideas into practical change. 

The screenings form part of the programme’s efforts to engage audiences directly with environmental issues affecting their local area. 

Chris Packham, Wildlife TV presenter and conservationist commented: “Jo inspires people… they realise that together we have a greater strength. In a shoal like this we become mighty.”  

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive Officer, Libraries Unlimited said: “Libraries have always been places where people come together to learn and share ideas. By hosting screenings of Jo in the Water this Earth Day, we’re creating space for communities across Devon to come together around an issue that affects us all - the health of our rivers and seas. 

"This is a powerful local story with national importance, and we’re proud that our libraries can help bring people together to be part of the conversation and the solution.” 

Screenings will take place at: