Our local rivers and streams are vital ecosystems, but they face increasing challenges from pollution, poor infrastructure, and lack of effective monitoring. The TDEG Rivers & Brooks (TDEG R&B) group is actively working to address these concerns through advocacy, collaboration, and community involvement. Here’s an update on our recent activities and our ongoing mission to protect our waterways.
Welcoming New Members
Our group has recently welcomed three new members: Mike, Heather, and Josh. Each brings valuable expertise: Mike specialises in surveying and data analysis, Heather is eager to contribute to campaigns and communications, and Josh brings technical knowledge in wastewater management. Their skills will strengthen our collective efforts.
TDEG Support & Finding a Venue
We are now operating under the Tideswell & District Environment Group umbrella, which provides useful communication tools, a constitution and data protection policies. TDEG has received some funding and have generously offered to cover the cost of meeting rooms whilst we become established, we are considering alternative venues for our meetings. Suggestions include local pubs, but any venue must also allow us to work productively.
Raising Awareness Through Newsletters & Press
To keep both our group and the wider community informed, we are launching a quarterly TDEG R&B newsletter. Gerard will oversee its production, compiling information from minutes, notes, and external sources. Additionally, a media team consisting of Ros and Jo will work on press statements to highlight local water quality issues at a national level.
Campaigning for Cleaner Water
One of our primary concerns is Severn Trent’s inadequate response to local sewage pollution. Recent correspondence with Severn Trent dismissed serious concerns about the company’s infrastructure and the 125 sewage spills recorded locally. To escalate the issue, Sheelagh and Kate will write to MP John Whitby, seeking his support in holding Severn Trent accountable.
Meeting with MP John Whitby
A recent roundtable with MP John Whitby proved productive. He acknowledged our group’s well-informed approach and agreed to raise our concerns in Parliament. While he stopped short of requesting a ministerial question, he committed to addressing the issue from the floor of the House of Commons. We will continue to monitor his progress and push for stronger political engagement.
Legislative Updates & European Standards
Lynn provided updates on European Union water regulations, which now impose stricter pollution controls and require pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies to contribute to cleanup costs. The UK currently lacks similar policies. We will advocate for legislative changes to ensure water companies and regulators take stronger action against pollution.
Legal Action & Environmental Protection
We are exploring legal avenues to strengthen our campaign. Fish Legal, an organisation specialising in prosecuting water polluters, could be an ally in holding Severn Trent accountable. Don has prepared an article on Fish Legal’s work, which you can find under our webpages.
Additionally, the Campaign for National Parks (CNP) is possibly taking legal action against OFWAT for failing to protect water sources in National Parks. We will track this case closely and assess how it aligns with our efforts.
Community Education & Responsible Waste Disposal
A key part of our mission is educating the public about protecting water quality. Our discussions have highlighted several important issues:
- Many septic tanks are not properly monitored, leading to potential groundwater contamination.
- People are often unaware of how to dispose of medicines safely, leading to pharmaceutical pollution in water sources.
- Household waste, including chemicals, often ends up in drains, harming local waterways.
To address these issues, we will work on educational campaigns, encouraging responsible waste disposal and promoting eco-friendly household products.
Innovative Solutions: A Partnership with Severn Trent?
Josh proposed an exciting initiative that could create a win-win situation: partnering with Severn Trent and York University’s research team to explore ways to treat pharmaceutical pollution in wastewater. Severn Trent’s slogan, “Get River Positive,” could be leveraged to encourage their participation in this research. If successful, this collaboration could lead to significant improvements in water treatment technology and serve as a model for other regions.
Next Steps & Our Big Aim
Defining our long-term goals remains a priority. Our next meeting will focus on setting a clear strategy for improving water quality. Key discussion points include:
- Establishing concrete aims and demands for water companies and regulators.
- Encouraging community-led monitoring efforts.
- Strengthening our connections with national environmental groups.
- Finding practical solutions for reducing pollution at the source.
Get Involved!
TDEG Rivers & Brooks Group is growing, and we need passionate individuals to help us protect our waterways. Whether you’re interested in research, advocacy, social media, or community engagement, there’s a role for you.
Our next meetings are 19 March, followed by 18 June, 24 September and our end of year celebration – 17 December. Join us as we continue our mission to make a real difference for our rivers and brooks.
For more information, join TDEG here, and register your interest in our meetings to stay updated through our newsletter and follow our progress on the TDEG website. Together, we can ensure cleaner, healthier water for future generations.
