Sarah Green, MP for Chesham and Amersham, has expressed her outrage following the release of shocking new data showing that water companies discharged raw sewage into England's waterways for a total of 3.61 million hours in 2024.
Data published today by the Environment Agency reveals that Thames Water released sewage into the River Misbourne for a staggering 4,842 hours throughout 2024, making Amersham Balancing Tanks the third worst site for sewage discharge within the Thames Water network.
Reacting to the statistics, Green said:
"I am appalled to learn that Amersham Balancing Tanks is the third worst site for raw sewage discharge on the Thames Water network, with the Sewage Treatment Works at both Gerrards Cross and Chesham also falling in the top 30."
"It is disgraceful that throughout 2024, Thames Water was allowed to discharge such volumes of sewage into the Rivers Misbourne and Chess. If these globally rare chalk streams are damaged beyond repair, these precious habitats will be lost forever."
Green also reiterated her support for increased regulation of the water industry, stating:
"I have previously welcomed the introduction of an Independent Water Commission. It is vital that this new body holds the water industry to account with tough action."
The data further highlights the extent of the problem across Thames Water’s network. Amersham Balancing Tanks ranked third among 589 sites, with sewage being discharged for a total of 4,842 hours and 45 minutes. Meanwhile, Gerrards Cross Treatment Works saw discharges lasting 2,838 hours and 15 minutes, ranking 20th, and Chesham Treatment Works discharged sewage for 2,681 hours and 15 minutes, placing 26th.
Campaigners and environmental groups have long warned about the impact of untreated sewage on England’s rivers and ecosystems, calling for urgent action to prevent further damage to rare and fragile environments. Green’s latest condemnation adds to growing pressure on Thames Water and other utility companies to tackle pollution and invest in sustainable water management solutions.
Thames Valley Police’s Roads Policing Unit launches Operation Scalis
Update about Bicester Road Power Outage
Bucks residents unite for record-breaking Great British Spring Clean
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust launches 24/7 text message mental health support across Buckinghamshire
TVP Community Policing Survey
Schedule of Works on A418 Bierton
Local Elections in Bucks
Coroner warns NHS Trust of potential risk to patient safety following death of student nurse
