Data from an environmental monitoring platform has revealed a startling increase in sewage discharges into the River Waveney, with a record 391 incidents recorded in 2024 alone, amounting to a staggering 2,297 hours of contamination. This marks a significant escalation from the previous year, which saw 215 discharges resulting in 1,042 hours of pollution. In local areas, the figures are equally concerning; Beccles experienced 32 discharges, while Bungay reported 58.

In light of these troubling statistics, Beccles Town Council is actively considering a proposal to initiate a “citizen water quality testing” programme in collaboration with the River Waveney Trust. Nathalie Chidley, a councillor who has championed this initiative, expressed alarm over the environmental impact, particularly given the river’s popularity among recreational users such as boaters and swimmers. “We have a duty to keep an eye on the river’s health and get evidence to hold the water companies to account,” Chidley stated at a council meeting.

The importance of the River Waveney as a community asset cannot be overstated; many residents cherish their time spent on or near the water. Chidley’s report articulated a long-term vision for designating Waveney Meadow as a Bathing Water Site, which would obligate the Environment Agency to regularly monitor the water quality. However, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has recently paused this designation process, a situation Chidley hopes can be turned into an opportunity for community-led data collection and preparation for future evaluations.

The proposed plan would involve volunteers taking monthly water samples at Waveney Meadow, which would then be analysed in laboratories, with the results made publicly available. This grassroots effort is expected to empower residents and reinforce the call for better water management standards.

Meanwhile, industry representatives have acknowledged the growing concerns around sewage overflows. A spokesperson for Anglian Water noted that the spike in discharge incidents is largely attributed to extreme weather conditions and persistent flooding experienced across the region earlier in the year. Approximately 50% of the pollution incidents were linked to these weather patterns. A commitment has been made to address these challenges, with the company unveiling plans for its largest ever investment—a £1 billion initiative aimed at tackling storm spills and enhancing overall water management over the next five years.

Moreover, environmentalists have sounded the alarm over high levels of E. coli found in the river, with samples showing concentrations up to 55 times above safe swimming limits in areas like Diss and Bungay. This alarming data highlights the urgent need for comprehensive action not only to improve water quality but to mitigate the various sources of pollution affecting the river, including sewage treatment and agricultural runoff.

Public concern has further escalated following incidents of littering, such as the recent dumping of approximately 60 bags of rubbish from Billingford Bridge, which underscores the compounded stressors impacting the river’s ecosystem. The River Waveney Trust condemned this act as “utter callousness” and has emphasised the need for both community action and regulatory intervention to safeguard the river’s health.

The Beccles Town Council has postponed a decision on the water testing initiative pending further investigation into costs and volunteer involvement. The current discussions reflect a growing recognition of the river’s ecological value and the collective responsibility to protect it for future generations.

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Source: Noah Wire Services