Recent reports of large amounts of raw sewage being dumped into our seas and waterways are disgusting and unacceptable. I have been working closely with both Thames Water and the Environment Agency to address issues of water quality, sewage treatment, and sewage flooding locally. Earlier this year I visited our local sewage treatment works to discuss work to upgrade and improve facilities, and pressed Thames Water to share details of their plan to reduce sewage discharge, and called for them to prioritise the rivers and waterways most used by the public for recreation, including the Thames and River Wey.
This draft plan has now been published and Thames Water is currently consulting on their draft Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan for 2025-2050, available here: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/about-us/regulation/drainage-and-wastewater-management. I would urge anyone with concerns to review this and respond to the consultation. I will be submitting a response to the plans before the closing date of 22 September.
It is important that we plan for the future, while also addressing the issues we face now. In light of the recent concern over sewage discharge, and following my meetings and correspondence with both Thames Water and the Environment Agency earlier this year, I have requested a further update on progress on delivering the improvements mandated by the Environment Act. I am also seeking to meet again with Thames Water to discuss progress following my visit to the sewage treatment facilities in Chertsey and Weybridge.
I have also written to the the Environment Agency following concerning reports that many water monitoring sites have either not yet been installed or have not been operating properly. I have requested an update on the status of all local monitoring stations, and I will continue to work with Thames Water and the Environment Agency to press for improvements in water quality to be delivered.
