In a disturbing incident on the River Avon in Bath, Somerset, swans and ducks were observed swimming through what appeared to be a sewage spill from a water company outlet. The event, captured on film by environmental campaigner Paul Powlesland, has reignited concerns about water pollution in England's waterways.
The footage, taken on September 23, 2024, shows a flock of swans and ducks navigating brown water pouring into the river from an outlet near Bath's city center. The River Avon, stretching approximately 75 miles, is a vital habitat for various aquatic species, including brown trout and European eels.
Wessex Water confirmed that the spill likely originated from a storm overflow, a system designed to prevent sewage systems from being overwhelmed during heavy rainfall. The company stated that any sewage present would be heavily diluted. However, Powlesland reported that the outflow contained what appeared to be toilet paper and emitted an odor consistent with raw sewage.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing sewage spills in England's waterways. In 2023, raw sewage spills reached a record high, totaling over four million hours. The UK has approximately 15,000 storm overflows, which are permitted to release sewage under exceptional circumstances, such as heavy rain.
The situation in Bath is particularly concerning given the city's status as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. With its rich history dating back to Roman times and over a million annual visitors to the Roman Baths, the city's environmental health is of paramount importance.
Environmental campaigners argue that the frequency of these spills suggests water companies may be breaching their legal permits. They are calling for stricter regulation and enforcement by agencies like the Environment Agency, established in 1996 to protect and improve the environment.
"It's hard to imagine a more shameful indictment of our sewage crisis than what I witnessed on the River Avon this afternoon. A flock of swans and ducks feeding and cavorting in a plume of raw sewage, just a few hundred metres from the centre of the genteel City of Bath."
Wessex Water, despite recording 125 pollution incidents last year, maintained an "industry leading" four-star rating from the Environment Agency. The company has announced plans to upgrade the problematic outflow by 2035 and is investing £3 million monthly to reduce overflows, with intentions to increase this investment between 2025 and 2030.
The UK water industry, privatized in 1989, faces growing pressure to address environmental concerns. The government's introduction of the Environment Act 2021 aims to tackle water pollution issues, while the European Union's Water Framework Directive, adopted in 2000, sets standards for improving water quality across Europe.
As the debate over water quality continues, the incident in Bath serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing England's waterways and the urgent need for effective solutions to protect both wildlife and public health.