The number of hours untreated sewage pumped into the river at Marlborough more than trebled in the past year, new figures reveal.

Action for the River Kennet lodged an environment information request and claims the response showed that in 2020 Marlborough sewage treatment works tipped untreated sewage into the River Kennet for 2,872 hours, the equivalent of 119 days and nights of continuous dumping. This compares with a total of 989 hours in 2019.

They claim the data shows pollution occurring more for almost a third of the year.

Action for the River Kennet’s Director Charlotte Hitchmough said:

"It’s unacceptable that untreated sewage is allowed to be dumped in our rivers. It damages habitats for plants, fish and other wildlife. As the warmer weather approaches and people are thinking about enjoying time outdoors, they shouldn’t have to worry about whether it’s safe to paddle, or fish or play in the river.’

ARK claims Marlborough is not an isolated case, saying data from sewage treatment works across the catchment paint a similar picture of persistent pollution.

"The River Kennet is one of England’s finest chalk streams and its clean clear waters are a defining characteristic of our beautiful countryside," added Charlotte.

"We want to see the Environment Agency take strong action to clamp down on sewage pollution, we want Thames Water to make more investment to prevent pollution, and we want the planning system to recognise that the current sewer network is inadequate, and to stop allowing more homes to be added to sewer networks that already can’t cope."

Thames Water has been approached for comment.