Toxic Sewage Alert

23rd February, 2022.

Sadly, British rivers are not being treat correctly, we are pouring huge amounts of raw sewage into them, as our sewage network struggles to cope with a fast rising population (8 million increase in just 20 years). Many people assume sewage is only released at a limited number of places, but these sewage outflow pipes are everywhere, even on the most picturesque, rural rivers.

They are supposed to only be used in exceptional circumstances. The idea behind them is to release pressure on the pipe network, when there is heavy rain, and drains are full. If the releases did not happen, the sewage would back up out of everyones toilets. One of the big issues of the sewage, is that it is not just poop and wee, but a toxic mix of anything being flushed or poured down sinks. This includes huge amounts of bleach and other harsh cleaners, which state on the bottles they are harmful to aquatic life.

Regardless of what water companies or he government don't do, the public can make a huge difference to water quality, if they switch to environmentally friendly toilet and cleaning products, such as Ecover, and only flush waste and toilet paper. No baby wipes, condoms, or cotton buds. Also, fitting water butts, can help slow the flow of water entering sewage drain pipes after heavy rain, and in places this can help reduce the amount of sewage water being poured into rivers. The more people that do this, the cleaner and safer our rivers and bathing waters will be, both for wildlife such as Salmon, Otters, and Kingfishers, and also us humans, such as wild swimmers, surfers etc.

Buy a water butt HERE (gardenis.co.uk)

Buy environmentally friendly cleaning products HERE (amazon.co.uk)