Sewage Pollution in the river Windrush
You may be shocked at how often untreated sewage is discharged into the Windrush
Ducklington Parish Council has been increasingly concerned over the frequency of 'storm discharges' releasing untreated sewage into the Windrush river. In a response to a letter to Thames Water we learned the total number of storm discharges to the river between 24 June 2019 and 24 June 2020 was 981 (according to the Environment Agency’s 12/24-hour spill count method).
Yes NINE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY ONE.
That is nearly 19 times every week
An average of more than 2.5 times PER DAY.
If you care about this - and you should - please write to Richard Courts (MP), to Thames Water, The Environment Agency, Ofwat and anyone else you can think of to complain about this appalling, outdated practice.
Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP) is a local organisation that is carrying out amazing work campaigning, monitoring water quality and calling to account the agencies that should be protecting our waterways. There is plenty of information on their website. You might consider lending them your support.
Lastly, PLEASE don't allow your children or pets to play in the river - particularly when it is looking murky.
More Articles
Tell us your ambitions, priorities and suggestions to make Oxfordshire a smokefree county.
If you would like to run a smokefree initiative like an event or get some smokefree play park signs created we can help!
We have FREE Very Brief Advice sessions booked in May and June to support non-clinical professionals who work with clients or any Oxfordshire residents.
The temporary closure will operate from 10 May 2025 up to and including 12 May 2025 between 20:00 and 06:00.
The temporary closure will operate from 20 May 2025 up to and including 23 May 2025 between 04:00 and 18:00.
Church Street to the junction near Standlake Road, Ducklington will be closed between 15:00 and 23:00 on 8th May 2025.
If you walk, cycle or catch the bus regularly – or want to do more of it, you can now get points every time you travel.
Free online coaching, provided by DrinkCoach, is available if you would like to reduce your drinking.
E-scooters and e-bikes are powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries could overheat, leading to an intense fire that produces toxic gases and large amounts of smoke with little warning.
Voters across West Oxfordshire District encouraged to register, apply for postal voting and photographic identification if needed before deadlines.