In recent years, Gloucestershire has been at the heart of a sewage pollution scandal that has raised alarm among environmentalists, residents, and councillors. The county, known for its famously picturesque landscapes, including the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the splendour of regency Cheltenham, has been grappling with copious amounts of raw sewage being discharged into its rivers. This issue not only threatens the natural beauty of the area but also has serious consequences for public health and wildlife.
The problem unfolds
The scale of the pollution crisis really struck me in 2019, when I first met the lobby group WASP (Windrush Against Sewage Pollution). I was staggered by how much our beautiful rivers were being contaminated. It was revealed that water companies, particularly Thames Water, had been discharging untreated sewage into the rivers for extended periods.
These discharges are a result of a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall, overloaded sewer systems, and a reliance on combined sewer overflows (CSOs) designed to prevent sewage backups during storms. However, in Gloucestershire, these overflows have been used far more frequently than anticipated, leading to the release of raw sewage into the rivers.
Just last year alone there were 2000 hours of untreated chemicals and human waste pouring into the river at Andoversford in the North Cotswolds.
Public outcry and water company missteps
The scale of the sewage discharges has prompted public outcry. Local residents and lobby groups have called for tougher regulations to hold water companies accountable and ensure that raw sewage is no longer routinely discharged into rivers.
In response to the scandal, those same water companies have slowly realised they have to act. Governments are also waking up to the stink.
Which brings me onto the latest faux pas extraordinaire from Thames Water. Faced with massive criticism over paying dividends to shareholders whilst racking up eyewatering debt and paying large bonuses to its CEOs, what did it do next?
Well, Gloucestershire County Council – at its meeting in June 2024 – unanimously called for the CEO or Chair of the troubled water company to come to a special meeting of councillors and answer questions about pollution and sky rocketing water bills. That meeting happened in November and the CEO failed to turn up. His representatives valiantly answered the councillors’ complaints but it was clear that, for the current CEO, this was not something that justified his valuable time. No apology was given or received.
The no show has done nothing to dispel the view that having privately owned companies running such a vital public service is proving a bad mistake.
Moving forward
As Gloucestershire and the rest of the UK face the challenges posed by climate change, it is clear that addressing sewage pollution will require long-term commitment, both from the government and from the water companies.
Only by taking immediate and bold action can we hope to preserve the natural beauty and public health of Gloucestershire’s rivers for generations to come. That should include making those companies public interest and not for profit. And being open, available, and present for residents and their elected representatives.
Paul Hodgkinson is a Gloucestershire County Councillor for Bourton on the Water & Northleach and stood at the General Election this year in the North Cotswolds.
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In recent years, Gloucestershire has been at the heart of a sewage pollution scandal that has raised alarm among environmentalists, residents, and councillors. The county, known for its famously picturesque landscapes, including the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the splendour of regency Cheltenham, has been grappling with copious amounts of raw sewage being discharged into its rivers. This issue not only threatens the natural beauty of the area but also has serious consequences for public health and wildlife.
The Problem unfolds
The scale of the pollution crisis really struck me in 2019, when I first met the lobby group WASP (Windrush Against Sewage Pollution). I was staggered by how much our beautiful rivers were being contaminated. It was revealed that water companies, particularly Thames Water, had been discharging untreated sewage into the rivers for extended periods.
These discharges are a result of a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall, overloaded sewer systems, and a reliance on combined sewer overflows (CSOs) designed to prevent sewage backups during storms. However, in Gloucestershire, these overflows have been used far more frequently than anticipated, leading to the release of raw sewage into the rivers.
Just last year alone there were 2000 hours of untreated chemicals and human waste pouring into the river at Andoversford in the North Cotswolds.
Public Outcry and Water Company Mis-steps
The scale of the sewage discharges has prompted public outcry. Local residents and lobby groups have called for tougher regulations to hold water companies accountable and ensure that raw sewage is no longer routinely discharged into rivers.
In response to the scandal, those same water companies have slowly realised they have to act. Governments are also waking up to the stink.
Which brings me onto the latest faux pas extraordinaire from Thames Water. Faced with massive criticism over paying dividends to shareholders whilst racking up eyewatering debt and paying large bonuses to its CEOs, what did it do next?
Well, Gloucestershire County Council – at its meeting in June 2024 – unanimously called for the CEO or Chair of the troubled water company to come to a special meeting of councillors and answer questions about pollution and sky rocketing water bills. That meeting happened in November and the CEO failed to turn up. His representatives valiantly answered the councillors’ complaints but it was clear that, for the current CEO, this was not something that justified his valuable time. No apology was given or received.
The no show has done nothing to dispel the view that having privately owned companies running such a vital public service is proving a bad mistake.
Moving Forward
As Gloucestershire and the rest of the UK face the challenges posed by climate change, it is clear that addressing sewage pollution will require long-term commitment, both from the government and from the water companies.
Only by taking immediate and bold action can we hope to preserve the natural beauty and public health of Gloucestershire’s rivers for generations to come. That should include making those companies public interest and not for profit. And being open, available, and present for residents and their elected representatives.
Paul Hodgkinson is a Gloucestershire County Councillor for Bourton on the Water & Northleach and stood at the General Election this year in the North Cotswolds.
