Floods & Sewerage in the News - What we really experience!
The River Thames has been a vital waterway for centuries, providing not only picturesque landscapes but also serving as a critical artery for commerce and daily life in the communities along its banks.
However, the river's beauty and utility have been marred by a recurring and devastating problem: flooding & illegal disposal of sewerage by the water companies. Recent news coverage has highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by residents and businesses, painting a grim picture of the situation's urgency and the need for effective flood management solutions.
A Timeline of Turmoil
SKY News, 26 September 2024 UK Weather: Amber warning for heavy rain issued by the Met Office - with 'rivers continuing to rise'.
BBC News, 25 September 2024 Flood water came through my hallway like a tide. Frances Ward walked down the stairs of her terraced house in Berinsfield, Oxfordshire, on Monday to find the ground floor under 2 inches (5cm) of water.
BBC News, 25 September 2024 Two large vessels and a smaller one were seized by authorities, following an operation along two stretches of the river in Elmbridge around Cigarette Island Park and Hurst Park in Molesey.
BBC News, 24 September 2024 Flood warnings accross Oxfordshire after heavy rain.
New Civil Engineer, 13 September 2024 The Environment Agency has formed a new taskforce to “turbocharge” the delivery of flood defences and the overall preparedness of the UK to the threat of flooding.
Marine Industry News, 13 May 2024. Britain’s canals and waterways are falling into disrepair. Funding is urgently needed. And what better way to make a splash than sailing a flotilla to the heart of government?
The Guardian, 2 April 2024. It took a sewage-plagued Boat Race to do it, but people can now see the appalling state of England’s water industry and waterways.
Mail Online News, 30 March 2024. Boat Race 2024: Oxford captain Lenny Jenkins blames E.Coli for dramatic defeat
BBC News, 27 March 2024. Raw sewage spills into England rivers and seas doubles in 2023
The Guardian, 27 March 2024. Boat Race organisers warning rowers not to enter the water after high levels of E-coli bacteria were found on the River Thames course.
BBC New, 27 March 2024. Thames Tideway Tunnel super sewer completed
RBWM Council Meeting, 11 March 2024. Councillor Larcombe's address to the RBWM Council regarding the current situation with flooding from the Jubilee.
Surrey News, 24th February 2024. Weybridge flood warning sees people urged to move possessions 'to safety'
Teddington Hub News, 23 February 2024: Thames flooding worsens with sections of Kingston’s riverside footpaths underwater.
BBC News, 24 January 2024: The number of hours in which sewage was dumped into the River Thames has more than quadrupled in the last year, figures show.
BBC News, 17 January 2024: MPs criticized the flood defence policy as flawed, calling into question the effectiveness of current strategies to mitigate future disasters.
BBC News, 11 January 2024: Surrey experienced significant evacuations as flood damage continued to wreak havoc on communities, underscoring the relentless challenge of rising water levels.
Daily Mail, 10 January 2024: The tragic story of a family, who previously lost their seven-year-old boy due to toxic fumes during flooding, faced the heartbreak of their home being submerged once more following Storm Henk.
BBC News, 9 January 2024: The river levels in Surrey were reported to be mere inches away from reaching the devastating heights of the 2014 floods, signalling a dire need for preparedness and action.
BBC News, 8 January 2024: Berkshire faced flooding misery as Thames levels rose, affecting numerous households and businesses and causing widespread distress.
BBC News, 4 January 2024: Sewage has been discharged into rivers at nearly 270 sites across the Thames in one week, data from a water firm has revealed. Figures from Thames Water show some overflows have been pumping untreated, raw, sewage into its waterways for more than 100 hours.
BBC News, 28 December 2023: A Chertsey resident voiced concerns over homes still being at risk, a decade after the floods, highlighting a continued vulnerability and the absence of substantial protective measures.
BBC News, 10 June 2021: Plans to bolster River Thames defences moved forward, offering a glimmer of hope after the relentless challenges post-2014 floods.
The Guardian, 16 February 2014: An article provided historical context, suggesting that while the Thames has a long history of flooding, the recent incidents speak to a potentially worsening situation that demands immediate attention.
Get Surrey, 16 January 2014 & 19 March 2019: Coverage from Surrey Live reflected on the Chertsey flooding and later reported that 'lessons have been learnt' since the 2014 floods, yet many argue that progress has been insufficient.
Sky News, 10 February 2014: A 'major incident' was declared as River Thames floods inundated homes, bringing the crisis to the forefront of national attention.
BBC News, 14 January 2014 Work by the Environment Agency to control flood water on the Thames has been a "disaster" for Wraysbury, according to residents.
The Call for Action
This compilation of news coverage underscores the critical situation along the River Thames, with communities repeatedly facing the wrath of nature, compounded by what many see as inadequate preparedness and response mechanisms. The repeated floods not only cause immediate damage and distress but also raise significant concerns about long-term environmental and economic impacts.
As we reflect on these stories, the message is clear: there is an urgent need for comprehensive flood management strategies that not only address the current crisis but also lay down robust foundations for future resilience. Whether through improved infrastructure, enhanced early warning systems, or community-driven initiatives, the time to act is now. The River Thames, with its rich history and vital role in the lives of so many, deserves nothing less than our collective efforts to protect and preserve it for generations to come.