Anglian Water told to invest in network to stop sewage ending up in Cambridge’s rivers and streams
Anglian Water has been told that investing in its sewer network and water treatment works is of “paramount importance” to prevent sewage ending up in Cambridge’s rivers and streams.
A joint draft response to a consultation being run by Anglian Water has been prepared by Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.
In it the authorities highlight the importance of improving the water quality in the Greater Cambridge area.
The response says: “The councils consider it imperative that future drainage investment addresses the potentially serious water quality issues facing the Greater Cambridge area.
“Existing levels of water pollution pose a threat to public health, wildlife and the amenity of the valuable rivers and streams in Greater Cambridge and erodes public confidence in all of the agencies associated with managing future growth of this important area into the future.
“A focus by Anglian Water on ensuring water is treated to a high standard before it is returned to the rivers in terms of both pollutants and level of nutrients is therefore required.”
The draft response highlights that the Greater Cambridge Outline Water Cycle Study showed the majority of water bodies in the area were classified as ‘moderate’ or ‘poor’, with none classified as ‘good’.
It says that reducing pollution and minimising pollution incidents from storm overflows should be a “key priority” and implemented as soon as possible.
It also highlights public concerns about the state of the area’s rivers and streams, and that a “clear programme of investment in the infrastructure” is needed.
The response says: “The councils consider it to be of paramount importance that investment in the sewer network and water treatment works must be made to prevent untreated sewage discharges from existing treatment works into the rivers and streams in Greater Cambridge.
“Rivers are important for recreational use and are used for swimming and boating and there is great concern that at the moment this use poses a risk to public health.
“Investment in storm overflows and water treatment is vital for protecting river habitats and providing safe bathing waters and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“This will require engagement at local level with local authorities and communities about the investment choices required to realise this objective at a local level.”
