The fight against the sewage crisis continued last week, as river keepers on an iconic chalk stream took a stand against polluters.
Keepers of the River Kennet catchment led a demonstration against Thames Water, calling for government intervention, Ofwat investigation, and urgent upgrades to Marlborough Water Treatment Works. The event follows hot on the heels of another protest on the River Test last month.
The Kennet catchment contains globally rare chalk streams but is under severe threat from continued sewage discharges by Thames Water. Their failing infrastructure has not only impacted the precious river ecosystems, but has resulted in sewage overflowing into streets and into homes.
The Kennet Catchment River Keepers Association (KCRA) lead the protest and were supported by the Angling Trust, Action for the River Kennet, plus angling clubs and local residents. Politicians from leading parties turned up and addressed the 250-strong crowd.
Sam Marshall, Riverkeeper and Chairman of the KCRA, is calling for immediate action.
“The sheer lack of investment from water companies has led to rivers being sucked dry in the summer months, and then filled with sewage in the winter months, subjecting them to year-round undue stress,” he said.
“Our water services industry is not only broken but also completely unregulated. The governing bodies that should be prosecuting and protecting our waterways are so underfunded they are non-existent. We need to see vast improvements from regulators, pushing for prosecutions of underperforming and polluting water companies.”
WHILST THE RIVER SEASON IS OVER, WHY NOT CHECK OUT SOME GREAT LAKES TO FISH IN OUR WHERE TO FISH GUIDE.
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