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River Severn Health: Users Demand Action
20 Mar
Summary
- River users met campaigners and Severn Trent to discuss waterway health.
- Severn Trent claims the river is the healthiest in two decades.
- Concerns remain over elevated phosphate and ammonia levels.
Users of the River Severn recently convened with campaigners and representatives from Severn Trent to address concerns regarding the waterway's current condition and future prospects. The meeting, organized by Sara Matthews of Worcester Canoe Club, highlighted user anxieties about river water quality.
Severn Trent, represented by Gareth Mead, asserted that the river is in its healthiest state in twenty years. Mead cited chemical analyses showing improvements and the presence of otters, a keystone species, as evidence of a healthy ecosystem. He expressed confidence in the river's current well-being.
However, Dee Edwards from Communities Against River Pollution (CARP) presented findings of elevated phosphate and ammonia levels, particularly during summer low-flow periods. She indicated these could suggest sewage presence, but noted uncertainty regarding the proportion of sewage versus agricultural runoff. CARP is considering expanding its water testing to Worcester.
Caroline Attwood-Reusser shared concerns, drawing parallels to the decline of the River Wye, where a vital water weed, ranunculus, has disappeared. She observed its absence in the River Severn and cautioned against placing sole blame on water companies, pointing to intensive livestock farming as a significant factor.
Severn Trent confirmed ongoing investments of approximately £2 billion nationwide to enhance river health. Locally in Worcester, a £20 million expansion of treatment works is underway, including phosphate removal, aimed at improving river health for users and the environment.
