600m litres of sewage enter River Roding yearly

Around 600 million litres of sewage-contaminated water are entering the River Roding and its tributaries each year, according to new research. This volume is equivalent to 240 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The pollution stems from sewer misconnections and faulty drainage infrastructure.

Study identifies pollution hotspots

Environmental charities Thames21 and the River Roding Trust monitored over 70 outfalls and tributaries for six months. Their findings highlighted Cran Brook as the single most significant source of sewage pollution. This pollution is attributed to a combination of faulty infrastructure, widespread misconnections, and seepage from a landfill site.

Sewer misconnections occur when wastewater from homes is incorrectly connected to surface water drains, the charities explained. They are urging Redbridge Council, Thames Water, and the Environment Agency to accelerate investigations and rectify these chronic pollution sources.

Thames Water response and timeline

A spokesperson for Thames Water stated that the company is working on resolving the issue. They are undertaking a surface water outfall programme. The company indicated that due to the size of the catchment area, rectifying the problem may take up to a year. This timeline is dependent on property owners granting access for surveys or the need for court applications for entry.

Thames Water noted that most misconnections were likely accidental but that responsibility lies with the property owner. They advised freeholders and developers to ensure new connections are properly plumbed.

Council investment and calls for action

Redbridge Council described the pollution levels as unacceptable. Councillor Jo Blackman, cabinet member for the environment, stated that the council has invested £3 million to improve water quality. Projects underway include water quality testing, desilting lakes, and implementing a filtering mechanism for Cran Brook. However, Councillor Blackman emphasised that the primary source of pollution is sewage discharges and misconnections, which Thames Water must address through increased investment in its sewer network and monitoring.

The Environment Agency confirmed it is reviewing the study's findings. They have been collaborating with the River Roding Trust, Thames21, Redbridge Council, and Thames Water on projects to identify and rectify misconnections, with work commencing on Cran Brook at Valentines Park.

Chris Coode, CEO of Thames21, highlighted the threat to water quality, wildlife, and local communities. Paul Powlesland, founder of the River Roding Trust, stated that the River Roding is the first river in England where all illegal sewage outfalls are identified and scientifically ranked by harm. He called for an emergency response from Thames Water and the Environment Agency to fix the most damaging outfalls.