This weekend, the spotlight on sewage pollution in England intensified when actor Steve Coogan aligned himself with a campaign against the unchecked discharge of untreated sewage into Lake Windermere's surroundings in Cumbria. This expanding movement has escalated its critique of governmental oversight as environmental advocates and residents express dissatisfaction.
Over the past several months, activists have consistently targeted United Utilities, northwest England's principal water service provider. Spearheaded by zoologist Matt Staniek, these efforts have crystallized into a series of robust 'sewage strikes,' directly inspired by the influential school strikes initiated by climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Staniek has maintained a persistent presence, staging protests at a United Utilities-operated visitor center near Windermere for 24 consecutive weeks.
Yesterday, he was joined by Coogan, who warned that sewage spills were creating an ecological "timebomb" for England's largest lake.
"If England can't clean up its crowning glory, then what hope is there?" he said. "United Utilities are engaged in a sort of PR exercise... but they're not really doing anything to tackle the problem."
"People are entitled to expect United Utilities to deliver a good service, and putting sewage into the lake is not providing a good service," he added.
The detrimental effects of sewage spills on Lake Windermere are evident in the proliferation of algal blooms, transforming parts of the once pristine lake into a disconcerting shade of green.
In statements conveyed through The Times, Coogan endorsed the campaign, citing its potential success. Drawing parallels with the remarkable transformation of Lake Annecy in France, Coogan emphasized the feasibility of restoring Windermere to its former glory.
Urging both governmental factions to adopt a more proactive stance, Coogan called for ambitious strategies to combat water pollution in the region. Central to his plea is the implementation of legislation compelling water utilities to rectify the damage inflicted upon Windermere and other affected lakes.
The ongoing protests serve as the latest battleground in an escalating discourse surrounding sewage management and the financing of extensive water infrastructure upgrades. While industry insiders contend that sewage pollution levels have markedly decreased over the years, heightened surveillance has brought existing pollution into sharper focus, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
A United Utilities spokesperson said: "Over the last twenty years, we have invested over £75m improving our wastewater services around Windermere. This has halved the levels of phosphorus entering the lake from our systems since 2015 and contributed to all four of the lake's bathing waters being classed as 'Excellent.' We are currently making an early start on a further £41m of planned investment to meet the new requirements of the Environment Act 2021, which means customers will not be paying twice."
However, critics have swiftly challenged these assertions, citing recent official data that revealed a record number of sewage spills last year. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis has painted a bleak picture, indicating that no rivers in England currently meet the criteria for being in 'good condition.' Campaigners have leveled accusations against water companies, alleging insufficient investment in infrastructure upgrades crucial for adapting to the escalating rainfall patterns attributed to climate change.
Meanwhile, these companies continue to accrue debt and distribute substantial dividends to shareholders.
In response to mounting pressure, water companies are advocating for government approval of a substantial hike in water bills to finance further infrastructure enhancements. Conversely, campaigners argue that these upgrades should be funded by shareholders, who have reaped significant profits since the privatization of the water industry.
Recent developments unfolded against the government's unveiling of a comprehensive £35 million initiative to combat pollution in the River Wye. This ambitious River Wye Action Plan encompasses a spectrum of measures, including mandates for large poultry farms to transport manure away from vulnerable areas to prevent excessive pollution.
Additionally, up to £35 million in grant support is earmarked for the installation of on-farm poultry manure combustors within the Wye Special Area of Conservation catchment area, which will facilitate the responsible disposal of poultry litter.
The plan further includes provisions to assist farmers in adopting improved nutrient management practices, transitioning away from inorganic fertilizers, and embracing sustainable methodologies such as riparian buffer strips.
Moreover, the government has appointed former Member of the European Parliament Anthea McIntyre as the 'River Champion' for the Wye catchment, underscoring its commitment to proactive stewardship of the region's water resources.
"The River Wye is facing real challenges, which is why the government is taking action to restore this important landscape and ensure it is better protected for future generations," said Farming Minister Mark Spencer. Our plan will dramatically reduce the amount of nutrients entering the river, mostly by helping farmers transition to more sustainable practices. This will include providing up to £35m for on-farm poultry litter combustors and trialling the use of emerging technology to help farmers share organic nutrients with their neighbours."
Soil Association campaign advisor Cathy Cliff welcomed the new package of measures but warned that broader action was needed to tackle pollution from poultry farms. "While measures to move manure to different parts of the country will help to reduce pollution in the Wye, the sheer volume of manure being shifted is likely to lead to problems elsewhere," she said. "The Defra announcement followed the Soil Association's Stop Killing our Rivers campaign, which also identified ten further rivers in England and Wales at risk from intensive poultry pollution, as intensive poultry units holding millions of birds have been given permission to operate close to other river catchments around the UK. These rivers are already failing UK phosphate targets."
Ali Morse, water policy manager for The Wildlife Trusts, said: "This plan is welcome, but it does not go nearly far enough to clean up the debilitating pollution problem of this much-loved river. For years, there has been too much nutrient pollution from animal poo flowing into the Wye, and a distinct lack of enforcement by agencies to stop polluters making a bad situation worse. The new plan's focus to ensure that the Wye does not continue to decline is important, but helping it recover is an altogether bigger job."