New data has revealed that Amersham Balancing Tanks is the third highest site of raw sewage discharge within Thames Water’s network.
Sewage was dumped into the River Misbourne for more than 4,842 hours in 2024. The Thames Water network comprises 589 sites across the country.
Sarah Green, MP for Chesham and Amersham, said: “It is disgraceful that throughout 2024, Thames Water was allowed to discharge such volumes of sewage into the Rivers Misbourne and Chess. If these globally rare chalk streams are damaged beyond repair, these precious habitats will be lost forever.
“I have previously welcomed the introduction of an Independent Water Commission. It is vital that this new body holds the water industry to account with tough action.”
Speaking to Amersham News, a Thames Water spokesperson said: “In 2024, our region experienced one of the wettest winters since records began 136 years ago, resulting in exceptionally high groundwater and river levels. This at times overwhelmed our sewer system, which caused diluted wastewater to be released into the River Misbourne. While all storm discharges are unacceptable, the sewage systems were designed in this way to prevent sewage backing up into people’s homes.
“Over the next five years, we will deliver a record amount of investment into our waste network. We continue to execute our plans to upgrade over 250 of our storm overflows to reduce the number of storm discharges. This includes upgrades to Gerrards Cross and Maple Lodge Sewage Treatment Works and our Amersham storm tanks.”
Photo credit: Nordic Walking in the Chalfonts
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