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Fishing for Solutions at 'Your Water, Your Say' Meetings
As dedicated anglers, we all share a deep love for the serene beauty of our rivers and the incredible fish that call them home. However, it's no secret that over the years, the health of our precious waterways has been steadily deteriorating.
One of the major culprits behind this decline is the alarming issue of sewage pollution. Fortunately, November brings a golden opportunity for anglers and concerned citizens alike to voice their concerns and challenge water companies' plans to combat this grave problem.
Enter the "Your Water, Your Say" meetings, an initiative taking place across England and Wales.
Hosted by water companies, these meetings offer a public platform for you to address your water company's five-year plan. It's a chance to ask the tough questions about sewage pollution and its detrimental effects on our environment.
Why Anglers Should Care
Anglers should be concerned because sewage pollution not only harms the well-being of our rivers but also endangers the fish populations that bring our favourite fishing spots to life.
Sewage Pollution's Impact on Rivers
The health of our rivers and fish stocks has been declining for years, and sewage discharge is a major culprit. The illegal dumping of sewage into our waterways by Water Authorities is wreaking havoc on the aquatic ecosystem.
By allowing sewage to accumulate, algal blooms can be encouraged and many species can die.
In 2021, Dr Anne Jungblut, Principal Researcher in algae, fungi and plants at the Natural History Museum, discussed how algal blooms are having an 'impact the functioning and richness of an ecosystem’
“When sewage is released into rivers, it contains a lot of nitrogen and phosphorous. These can stimulate the growth of algae, such as phytoplankton in the water or mats known as biofilms in the sediments, which can lead to algal blooms.
A large amount of algae has an impact on the rest of the ecosystem, such as blocking out the light that plants need for photosynthesis. When these plants, and the algae itself, start to die, they are eaten by a lot of bacteria which reduces oxygen in the water, killing fish and other organisms.”
The issue of sewage pollution in rivers affects not only fish but also the entire environment that surrounds these water bodies.
Your Chance to Influence Change
Surfers Against Sewage HQ (SAS HQ) will be there to apply pressure and ensure that our concerns are heard loud and clear. But as anglers, your presence at these meetings is also welcome. After all, you are the ones who witness the impact of sewage pollution firsthand in your communities and on your beloved rivers.
'Your Water, Your Say' meetings are a unique opportunity for anglers and the public at large to hold Water Authorities accountable. By attending these meetings, you can directly influence their strategic planning to eliminate sewage discharge and begin the process of reversing the damage.
Why Should Anglers Fight Sewage Pollution?
Non‑Executive Director of Angling Direct; Martyn Page stated:
“These meetings are an opportunity for us anglers to attend, and indeed for the public at large, and to call the Water Authorities to account and influence their strategic planning to eliminate sewage discharge and reverse the damage that has been done. “
Understanding the Plans
Water and wastewater companies in England and Wales are currently shaping their plans for the years 2025 to 2030. These comprehensive plans cover everything the companies do now and what they intend to do in the future.
To facilitate public participation, Ofwat and CCW have organised two phases of 'Your Water, Your Say' meetings in spring and autumn 2023.
These gatherings offer customers and stakeholders the opportunity to question and challenge the companies' plans. Your concerns can encompass various topics, including the quality of service, environmental impact, and future water bills.
Mark Your Calendar
November 2023 Meetings
In November 2023, a series of meetings will take place. Below are the dates for these meetings, so you can make plans to participate:
- Anglian Water: November 28th, 6pm
- Cambridge Water: November 7th, 5.30pm
- Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water: November 17th, 5pm
- Hafren Dyfrdwy: November 8th, 6pm
- Northumbrian Water/Essex & Suffolk Water: November 9th, 6pm
- Portsmouth Water: November 20th, 6pm
- SES Water: November 16th, 6pm
- Severn Trent Water: November 21st, 6pm
- South Staffs Water: November 7th, 5.30pm
- Southern Water: November 27th, 6pm
- Thames Water: November 30th, 5pm
- United Utilities: November 10th, 5pm
- Wessex Water: November 14th, 6pm
- Yorkshire Water: November 23rd, 6pm
As anglers, your presence and questions at these meetings can make a substantial impact in the fight against sewage pollution. Together, we can protect our rivers and ensure a brighter future for angling in England and Wales. Remember, it's "Your Water, Your Say," so let's make sure our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed.
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