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Sewage Overwhelms Stream: Lifeless Waters Raise Alarms
5 Jun
Summary
- High E. coli levels found in Danestream following a burst sewage main.
- Dead fish and lack of life observed in the polluted watercourse.
- Southern Water is repairing the pumping station and using tankers.
A sewage spill into Danestream, caused by a burst main at a nearby pumping station, has led to severe ecological concerns. High levels of E. coli were detected in water quality tests conducted in March and April, prompting volunteers to warn locals against entering the water due to substantial infection risks. The stream has shown no signs of life, with dead fish discovered, indicating a grave impact on animal health.
Southern Water reported the incident on May 1 and has since switched off the pumping station. Repairs are scheduled, with temporary measures like using tankers to manage sewage flow in place. The company is collaborating with external parties for the repair, which was delayed due to concerns about seasonal wildlife.
While recent testing shows a significant drop in E. coli levels, campaigners emphasize the massive ecological impact will take much longer to reverse. The Environment Agency is monitoring the repair progress and stated they do not routinely test non-bathing waters like Danestream for E. coli, as its presence does not directly affect river ecology.
