Thames Water dumped sewage 220 times into the River Mole last year

New figures released by the Environment Agency show that Thames Water  discharged sewage into the river Mole staggering 220 times last year. 

The sewage discharged by Thames Water lasted 3,088 hours.

The Government allows water companies to discharge raw sewage into rivers, lakes and coastlines following a storm. This includes sewage being pumped into bathering water areas and wildlife habitats. 

Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Esher and Walton, Monica Harding has called for a ban on these sewage discharges in protected waters, as well as a ban on water company executives being paid multi-million pound bonuses. 

The Environment Agency data released on Friday 31st March has revealed raw sewage was spilled into English rivers 824 times a day last year – despite the fact there was barely any rainfall and most of the country was in drought.

The Liberal Democrats in Parliament recently revealed water companies breached their sewage permits over 500 times last year, double compared to the previous year. 

Conservative MPs, including Esher & Walton MP, Dominic Raab, have shamefully voted against a ban on sewage discharges and now residents who use the river  and wildlife are left to pay the price. 

Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Esher and Walton Monica Harding said:

“These figures are a damning verdict on the Government’s attempt to stop Thames Water from dumping sewage into our waterways. 

“Local people are furious that our swimming locations and previous wildlife habitats have become poisoned with raw sewage. The Conservative Government just doesn't seem to care. I think it’s time the Environment Secretary resigned and was replaced with somebody who actually cares about our rivers and lakes. 

“It is time Ministers got tough with Thames Water. They are raking in massive profits all whilst destroying the environment. Frankly, the whole thing stinks.

“I will continue my campaign to save the river Mole and our other local waterways from these sewage discharges. I know local communities across the area are demanding action and that this scandal finally ends.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Environment Agency data can be found here. 

Written Parliamentary Question and Ministerial response to Tim Farron on water company breaches: