Menu
04/08/2004
Thames fish die after storms force sewage discharge
The Thames has witnessed a massive fish kill after tens of thousands of tonnes of sewage washed into the capital's river during a heavy storm last night.
Dead fish were seen floating on the river at Kew, Brentford and Isleworth in west London, according to the Environment Agency (EA).
It is estimated that 600,000 tonnes of untreated sewage washed into the river after massive downpours – 42mm were recorded in just one hour – overwhelmed drainage systems.
Thames Water said it was working with the EA to minimise the impact of the pollution.
Currently Thames Water helps fish to survive storm discharges to the Thames by deploying two 'Bubbler' vessels, which pump extra oxygen into the river.
As the system currently stands, the safety valve of letting the dilute sewage go to the river during storms, though regrettable, is preferable to the flooding backing up out of the sewers into London's streets, Thames Water said.
Robin Clarke, Director of Waste Water Operations at Thames Water, said the organisation "deeply regretted" the incident.
"The scale of the fish loss last night was very rare - a very unfortunate side effect of the exceptionally heavy rainfall," he said.
"Despite events such as last night, the Thames remains one of the cleanest metropolitan rivers in the world. This is directly linked to Thames Water's £1 billion investment at sewage treatment works, which has paved the way for wildlife to return the river, which was biologically dead for many years."
Thames Water said that it has been in close contact with Defra on the issue of storm discharges to the Thames Tideway. The company is represented on the independently-chaired steering group, which recently submitted a report to Defra outlining the options for tackling the issue in the long term, including a new £2-3 billion tunnel to accommodate the storm flows.
Climate change and population growth accentuate the need to focus investment on replacing Victorian water mains in London and reducing the risk of sewer flooding to customers properties, the company said.
(gmcg)
Dead fish were seen floating on the river at Kew, Brentford and Isleworth in west London, according to the Environment Agency (EA).
It is estimated that 600,000 tonnes of untreated sewage washed into the river after massive downpours – 42mm were recorded in just one hour – overwhelmed drainage systems.
Thames Water said it was working with the EA to minimise the impact of the pollution.
Currently Thames Water helps fish to survive storm discharges to the Thames by deploying two 'Bubbler' vessels, which pump extra oxygen into the river.
As the system currently stands, the safety valve of letting the dilute sewage go to the river during storms, though regrettable, is preferable to the flooding backing up out of the sewers into London's streets, Thames Water said.
Robin Clarke, Director of Waste Water Operations at Thames Water, said the organisation "deeply regretted" the incident.
"The scale of the fish loss last night was very rare - a very unfortunate side effect of the exceptionally heavy rainfall," he said.
"Despite events such as last night, the Thames remains one of the cleanest metropolitan rivers in the world. This is directly linked to Thames Water's £1 billion investment at sewage treatment works, which has paved the way for wildlife to return the river, which was biologically dead for many years."
Thames Water said that it has been in close contact with Defra on the issue of storm discharges to the Thames Tideway. The company is represented on the independently-chaired steering group, which recently submitted a report to Defra outlining the options for tackling the issue in the long term, including a new £2-3 billion tunnel to accommodate the storm flows.
Climate change and population growth accentuate the need to focus investment on replacing Victorian water mains in London and reducing the risk of sewer flooding to customers properties, the company said.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 August 2013
Thames Water Asks To Increase Prices
Thames Water has submitted an application to adjust its prices for the current price control period, which runs from April 2010 to March 2015. The organisation made the submission to industry regulator, Ofwat.
Thames Water Asks To Increase Prices
Thames Water has submitted an application to adjust its prices for the current price control period, which runs from April 2010 to March 2015. The organisation made the submission to industry regulator, Ofwat.
21 June 2006
Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
04 July 2006
No leakage fine for Thames Water
Thames Water has escaped being fined by regulator Ofwat for failing to meet its targets on leakage reduction. However, Ofwat has ordered the firm to invest a further £150 million in order to reduce leaks. Thames Water had been facing the prospect of being fined £140 million. The news is likely to lead to criticism of Thames Water.
No leakage fine for Thames Water
Thames Water has escaped being fined by regulator Ofwat for failing to meet its targets on leakage reduction. However, Ofwat has ordered the firm to invest a further £150 million in order to reduce leaks. Thames Water had been facing the prospect of being fined £140 million. The news is likely to lead to criticism of Thames Water.
09 July 2014
Parts Of Reading Left Without Water For Second Time
A fault at a pumping station has left up to 26,000 homes and businesses in the Reading area without water for a second time. The fault at Earley reservoir happened at about 06:00 on Wednesday morning, Thames Water has said.
Parts Of Reading Left Without Water For Second Time
A fault at a pumping station has left up to 26,000 homes and businesses in the Reading area without water for a second time. The fault at Earley reservoir happened at about 06:00 on Wednesday morning, Thames Water has said.
16 October 2013
Water Regulator Temporarily Block Price Increase
A proposed price increase by Thames Water, who had sought to add an additional £29 to annual household water bills, has been blocked by Ofwat. The water regulator has published a draft decision blocking the proposed price increase.
Water Regulator Temporarily Block Price Increase
A proposed price increase by Thames Water, who had sought to add an additional £29 to annual household water bills, has been blocked by Ofwat. The water regulator has published a draft decision blocking the proposed price increase.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
