The River Chess Association (RCA) has said that the number of hours sewage was pumped into the river in 2024 was the “worst on record”.
Running through Rickmansworth, the outskirts of Chorleywood, Chesham and other areas across Hertfordshire, the River Chess is a precious chalk stream that provides a rich habitat for wildlife.
Over the years, the river has undergone lots of restoration work, but the RCA is still campaigning for more work to prevent damage caused by sewage discharge.
On Thursday, January 2, the RCA shared a post on Facebook that read: “2024 has been a miserable year for sewage discharges in the River Colne catchment, more than a five-fold increase in discharge hours.
“All major rivers in the catchment have had discharges with the Ver and Misbourne topping the list. The Colne, Bulbourne, Misbourne and Gade have already had discharges in 2025 and the Ver is currently discharging. This may have been the worst year on record.”
According to data provided by RCA based on figures from Sewage Maps, 2,681 hours of discharge were recorded in the River Chess in 2024 compared to just 19 hours the previous year.
Thames Water is responsible for managing wastewater in Three Rivers and, according to Three River District Council, “ensuring that water entering the rivers is of the best possible quality”.
The council also said that the Environment Agency works closely with Thames Water to ensure they “closely monitor and report back on the storm discharge activity”.
Thames Water has been contacted for comment.
Photo credit: River Chess Association
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