After Southern Water pumped untreated wastewater directly from sewage systems into the River Test, angling and conservation groups – including Fish Legal, Activist Anglers and the Test and Itchen Association – are demanding urgent answers from Defra, the Environment Agency, and the water company itself.
The alliance wants to know how sewage dumping was ever permitted on the iconic English chalk stream. From social media to broadsheet newspapers, anglers have spread public condemnation over the pollution of this famous river.
“Anglers and river keepers are hands down the strongest voices for our rivers,” said Jim Murray, actor and founder of Activist Anglers.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN HELP ANGLING'S BATTLE AGAINST POLLUTION IN THIS ARTICLE.
“Southern Water’s recent plans to pollute the Test were halted by their collective power. It’s imperative such networks continue if we are to save our rivers.”
Direct pressure now seems to have stopped the flow of untreated waste for the time being. Nevertheless, the groups demand a full and transparent response from the authorities.
“Defra and the EA must progress immediate action and dialogue” said Test and Itchen Association director Paul Vignaux, adding that anglers wanted to “ensure such ‘mistakes’ are not repeated.
HOW POLITICAL IS POLLUTION? FIND OUT MORE HERE.
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