The Poor Quality of our Waterways in Runnymede

We were saddened to learn that the quality of many of our rivers and streams in Runnymede have deteriorated considerably, mainly due to sewage discharge. These include The Bourne at Chertsey, Virginia Water Lake and The Moat at Egham, all of which have an ecological status of "Poor".*

Cllr. Sylvia Whyte took the opportunity at Full Council in July to ask the Leader of The Council what the Administration have done to bring about improvements to the ecological status of our waterways.

Although we understand that responsibility for water quality sits within the Environment Agency we are concerned that the public are not aware about the water quality in their local area and feel that more pressure should be put on the water companies to improve the quality of our waterways.

Having a status of Poor on many of the waterways is concerning as there could be a potential health issue during the hot weather spells, where their recreational use is much greater.

The Leader agreed to publish the Environment Agency hotline details on social media to raise awareness with the public. Cllr. Don Whyte requested that both the Leader and RBC Chief Executive, write to our MP to make him aware of the deterioration in our watercourses and ask for his support in seeking Government action in addressing this serious health and environmental issue, ensuring the water companies act to reverse the worsening situation and to fulfil their responsibilities in relation to watercourses.

We will continue to monitor the situation.

Environmental Agency Hotline 0800 80 70 60

* Referenced at Page 147 (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Planning Committee, 13/07/2022 18:30 (runnymede.gov.uk)