Sewage Campaign

UNLICENSED POLLUTION IS INCREASING: from our network 

Sewage has been rising from our network during rainfall for 10 years because licensed outflows are at capacity. New developments have increased the amount of sewage in the system that is forced out during these events. By allowing sewage to rise from the network rather than exit via licenced outflow (E.g. CSO) Botley’s control & enforcement mechanisms have been disabled. This lead to minimised forced regulatory investment, enabling increased pollution.

In February 2025 Botley Parish Council passed a motion unanimously. This campaign, lead by Cllr Tom Gurd, seeks to raise awareness of local pollution locations & work with stakeholders on resolution.

Sewage escaping the network& the associated impacts will keep increasing without action from our community. This year, for the first time ever, we have a Blue green algae area bloom upstream which has compelled the Environment Agency & district environmental health teams to issue a public health warning.

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP!! 

 

Cllr Gurd is requesting help from Botley's residents and visitors with regard reporting illegal sewage escapes. If you see sewage rising from the network & making its way into the watercourse or storm drain, please click on the REPORT A PROBLEM button at the side of this paragraph.