Sewage leaks around Melksham are ‘a very real problem’ says town’s mayor

SEWAGE leaks as a result of overflowing storm drains are a ‘very real problem’ in Melksham says the town’s mayor, following recently released data.

The data released by the Environment Agency shows that in 2023, the rate at which sewage spilled in Melksham and surrounding areas had doubled compared to previous years.

Water UK, the industry body for sewerage companies, said the figures nationally are ‘unacceptable,’ but the record levels were due to heavy rain.

The UK has combined sewage systems which mean rain and sewage share the same pipes, so if there is too much rain, sewage treatment works can be overwhelmed. Sewage is spilled into waterways to prevent the system backing up.

There are several storm drains around the town and surrounding villages that collect rainwater.

The data shows that in Shaw, South Brook was spilled into 68 times for a total of 591 hours, or about 25 days non-stop. In Melksham, the outlet is alongside Waitrose and enters the river just upstream of the town bridge. In 2023, this sewer storm overflow spilled 83 times for a total of 972 hours, or about 40 days non-stop.

The town’s mayor, cllr Simon Crundell said, “Large discharges of sewage reduces the amount of oxygen in a river, reduces the overall health of a river, and decreases the biodiversity of our water courses. They also pose a very real harm to human life, as well as animal life.

“Specifically in Melksham, we’ve seen a huge decline in wetland habitats and sewage running through the few wetland habitats we have left. Of course, this has massive implications for biodiversity locally, which as an agricultural county, is of course a bit of a double whammy in terms of issues.”

Sewage spilling can be legal but environmentalists say it should only happen in exceptional weather.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) said, “2023 saw record spills with upwards of three and a half million hours of discharges across England. This is clearly unacceptable.

“However, this was predictable given the particularly wet weather, so what’s important now is that we start to see a reduction in harmful spills as a result of water industry investment. £3.1bn is already being spent between 2020 and 2025, and a further £180m has been fast-tracked to be spent this year.

“This investment should focus on preventing spills, which are most environmentally damaging, and on creating wetlands and other nature-based solutions to keep water out of the sewers in the first place. These are a cost and carbon-efficient way of preventing spills. We know that bill increases are going to be challenging for many customers, so spending efficiently and providing support for those who struggle to pay need to be central to companies’ efforts to tackle spills.”

However, the town’s mayor says not enough is being done by the government to solve the problem. “The government’s ‘Our Plan for Water’ brings forward 60 billion pounds worth of investment in cleaning up rivers over the next 25 years. What’s important is that it’s front-loaded. We can’t be waiting 25 years for our rivers to be cleaned,” explained cllr Crundell.

“What is also crucial is that water companies don’t profit from sewage discharges. Previously, we’ve seen sewage discharges factored into the business model, but the fines were so low that it was worthwhile doing. Now, the cap has been completely removed from those fines. We need to see the Environment Agency taking tougher action.”

In partnership with Wessex Water, WWT is running a volunteer scheme to help monitor the health of our rivers. “We are looking for committed local people to walk along rivers as part of their regular routine to pick up litter and monitor for signs of pollution,” says the spokesperson.

To find out more about this volunteering opportunity, visit https://volunteering.wiltshirewildlife.org/volunteers/opportunity/10187024