Untreated Sewage Discharged into Rivers for Weeks

Continuous sewage discharge into the River Coln has raised significant concerns as untreated sewage has been released for over 560 hours since September 23 due to a malfunctioning storm overflow at the Fairford sewage treatment works. The Cotswolds Rivers Trust highlighted that this is not an isolated incident, as similar discharges occurred earlier in the year, prompting calls for improved infrastructure. Thames Water acknowledged the unacceptable nature of storm discharges but indicated that the system was historically designed to prevent sewage backups into homes. They plan to upgrade 250 sites across the region, including Fairford, to enhance treatment capacity and reduce future incidents. In a related issue, United Utilities has faced scrutiny for illegally releasing millions of gallons of untreated sewage into Lake Windermere, emphasizing the need for tighter regulations and accountability in the water management sector. Local officials and environmental advocates continue to demand urgent action against these ongoing sewage discharge problems.