With regard to the report on sewage from the houseboats at Shoreham (The Argus, May 1), I have lived on a houseboat for 11 years, during which time I have seen more varieties of wildlife every year.

We have swans nesting at the end of our boat and all the crabs and wading birds thrive on the natural plants, weeds and worms that grow in the area.

The grey mullet return every year in increasing numbers and there has been an increase in the protected lizards we are famous for.

Of course, the level of microbes will be higher on an incoming tide because the water comes from the harbour where there are many boats and industries.

Let's see some hard facts about what really is only a drop in the ocean. Can you imagine how much water is flushed in and out on every tide compared with the small amount that 25 boats produce?

After the tide has been in, I think nothing of swimming down the river, I think the sea is probably more contaminated and, of course, that's where the tide comes from.

  • Josephine Bell, by email