Dead animals found in Brentford canal amid sewage fears
Concerns grow over water quality impacting watersports and wildlife, with multiple agencies investigating.
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Dead animals, including foxes, ducks, and a cat, have been found in the Brentford canal network during the summer months. Residents and local organisations have voiced concerns that sewage is flowing into the waterways, a problem made worse by the recent hot weather and stagnant water. The animals were predominantly discovered in the Brentford Lock basin, where the Grand Union Canal meets the River Thames.
Impact on Watersports and Wildlife
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Paul Keane, general manager of the Brentford Community Boathouse, told the Brentford and Syon Area Forum that the issue had been exacerbated by the summer heat. He noted that the stagnant water meant the dead animals were visible daily. Kelly Everden, an events officer at the boathouse, highlighted the distress caused to children who use the canal for watersports, particularly when a pet cat was among the deceased animals found. Keane stated that the animals often showed signs of E. coli and botulism, with the most affected stretch being near Boston Manor Park. Warm, still water holds less oxygen, creating conditions favourable for these bacteria.
Causes and Investigations
Keane suggested that plumbing misconnections, where waste from housing developments is incorrectly directed to surface water drains instead of sewers, are a significant factor contributing to sewage entering the canal. He clarified that he did not believe this was directly Hounslow Council's fault but stressed the need for a strategy to ensure water hygiene for canal users. The Canal and River Trust stated it aims to remove dead animals promptly but faced challenges with its weed clearance boats being out of action. Thames Water acknowledged that the area has known misconnection issues and confirmed it is collaborating with property owners and councils. The Environment Agency is continuing its investigation into pollution reports, noting that the ongoing drought conditions can also affect river health.
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Official Response
Hounslow councillor Katherine Dunne confirmed that council officers in Ealing and Brent are examining misconnections through a River Brent catchment group. Committee chair councillor Dan Bowring encouraged residents to report concerns to their ward councillors, stating that all Brentford councillors share these concerns. He added that an overall strategy is needed to ensure the water is hygienic for increased canal usage, especially for children.
Questions this report answers
+What dead animals have been found in the Brentford canal?
Over the summer, dead animals including foxes, ducks, and a cat were discovered in the Brentford canal network. These were predominantly found in the Brentford Lock basin. The presence of these animals has raised concerns about water quality.
+Why is sewage reportedly flowing into the canal?
Concerns about sewage entering the canal are linked to plumbing misconnections, where waste is wrongly directed to surface water drains instead of sewers. Hot weather and stagnant water conditions have exacerbated the problem, leading to higher concentrations of bacteria like E. coli.
+Which organisations are investigating the canal pollution?
Hounslow Council, Thames Water, and the Environment Agency are involved in examining the pollution issues in the Brentford canal. Council officers are looking into misconnections, while Thames Water is working with property owners and councils, and the Environment Agency is investigating pollution reports.
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