Henley Regatta organisers say event marred by sewage pollution
‘Sewage pollution is harming the environment that we enjoy and respect so much’, the regatta’s chairman said
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The organisers of the annual Henley Royal Regatta have alleged that this year’s event was marred by sewage pollution from Thames Water.
Backing a campaign orchestrated by River Action, the organisation described itself as “deeply concerned” at the impact sewage pollution was having on the local environment.
One of the world’s most prestigious regattas, this year’s event took place from 27 June to 1 July.
Sir Steve Redgrave, Chairman of Henley Royal Regatta, detailed that in his hometown of Marlow at Longridge, “you can see from the colour of the water that there has been a discharge” from the local water treatment plant.
"At Henley Royal Regatta, we are deeply concerned about the impact that sewage pollution is having on our beautiful river. Sewage pollution is harming the environment that we enjoy and respect so much”, Sir Redgrave said.
Thames Water fined £3.3 million for ‘reckless’ pollution incident
Thames Water dumped ‘millions of litres’ of sewage in river killing more than 1,000 fish
Architect of water privatisation defends decision amid Thames Water turmoil
Thames Water crisis explained as utility giant serving 15m people faces collapse
Monitoring levels of phosphate, nitrate and harmful bacteria, River Action and residents of Henley-on-Thames tested the River Thames at Henley every weekday across a four-week period. It concluded that the Henley Mile – the stretch of river used to host the famous regatta – is “severely impacted” by sewage pollution.
“Wildlife along the Thames is collapsing and river users are at serious risk”, James Wallace, CEO of River Action said.
“Thames Water and the government must admit culpability and invest in modernising infrastructure and enforcing the law, targeting exposed communities like Henley.”
Meanwhile, Thames Water maintained that “improving the health of rivers” is a “key focus.”
“Taking action to improve the health of rivers is a key focus for us and we have an upgrade planned for Henley sewage treatment works which will provide a major increase in the site’s treatment capacity and is expected to complete in 2025”, a Thames Water spokesperson told The Guardian.
“We’re also currently supporting the local community’s application for a designated bathing water site in Henley.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments