A school field trip to a river in Wiltshire was ruined when “untreated human waste” began pouring into the water.

On Tuesday, June 20, children from Preshute and Great Bedwyn primary schools took part in Action for the River Kennet’s (ARK) annual river school event, in Ramsbury.

But the practical lesson on humans’ impact on rivers was disrupted when sewage leaks at three different sites in the area caused waste to pollute the waterway, which turned visibly brown.

The leaks came after heavy rainfall caused an overflow at the Marlborough sewage treatment works, while spills were also seen at the Pewsey Road Bridge and the sewer at Stonebridge Lane.

ARK’s director, Charlotte Hitchmough, said: “Sewage was spilling into the river, the scale of the problem is bigger than individuals and needs to be dealt with by water companies.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Waste at the River KennetWaste at the River Kennet (Image: ARK)

“It happens a lot and we’re wilfully polluting rivers which is unacceptable.

“Untreated sewage might make people ill, so there’s a safety concern, but it also upsets the balance of the river and is gradually degrading the quality of it.”

“It was so disappointing not to be able to show the children the wildlife that lives in the Kennet”, added Anna Forbes, who runs the charity’s education sessions.

“But we can’t invite children into an environment that we know is polluted with untreated human waste.”

An image provided by ARK shows a similar incident when the Marlborough site, managed by Thames Water, overflowed in March.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: A leak into the River Kennet in MarchA leak into the River Kennet in March (Image: ARK)

They have called for major investment to the sewage network, which they believe is “not fit for purpose”, to prevent further incidents.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “Taking action to improve the health of rivers is a key focus for us and we have planned investment in our local sewage treatment works to reduce the need for untreated discharges, including an upgrade at our Marlborough site which is due to complete in 2025.

“We regard all discharge of untreated sewage as unacceptable, and it’s understandable why the public are demanding more from water companies to do better.

“Stopping discharges altogether will take time and sustained investment, however each step we take on this journey is a move in the right direction.” 

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The polluted River Kennet

The utilities company plans to invest £1.6 billion in their networks over the next two years and has committed to a 50 per cent reduction in the duration of total annual discharges.

Its online map offers real-time information on storm discharges and planned improvements.