Sewage leaks into River Chess for first time in three months

In September 2020, Thames Water vowed to increase its sewage treatment capacity as part of their efforts to combat sewage discharges in the River Chess.

Before last Saturday (October 2) the last time sewage was discharged at the Chess was July 6.

According to the River Chess Association, the discharge impacted the Chess from Blackwell Hall along to Rickmansworth.

In a Facebook post, the association explained that by the time it reaches Rickmansworth “the impact will have been diluted”, but the sewage still “heightens the health risk”.

The association warned: “We always recommend caution when dealing with river water under any circumstance.

“Do not expose open wounds to river water, do not ingest river water, always wash thoroughly when you have come into contact with river water.”

The association also said that they were disappointed by the discharge, but they have since been in contact with Thames Water and will also meet with the water service team next month.

Sewage in the River Chess in 2020

According to Thames Water, the leak was caused by heavy rain which affecting sewage capacity in Chesham.

A spokesperson said: “Heavy rain meant our sewage works at Chesham did not have the capacity to deal with the flow coming into the site.

“Once the storm tanks were full, diluted, but untreated sewage unfortunately spilled into the river for the first time since July.

“This overflow system is legally allowed, but is nevertheless unacceptable to us, our customers and the environment.”

Thames Water explained that they are working to “accelerate work” to prevent discharges from happening.

The spokesperson continued: “A major expansion at Chesham sewage works to increase capacity by almost 40 per cent by the end of next year, along with work to stop rain and groundwater getting into the network in the first place, will improve the situation.

“Last month we also launched our Smarter Water Catchment initiative for the river.

“The £3 million project brings together organisations, community groups and residents from across the region to help secure a brighter future for the Chess and other rivers in the area.

“The plan sets out a 10-year commitment to boost biodiversity and help address water quality issues, as well as providing wider benefits for local communities through better access, improved amenities, schools programmes, volunteering opportunities and health and wellbeing benefits.”