A RIVER OF FILTH

In 2024, South West Water dumped more than 15,000 hours of untreated sewage into the River Otter.
Yes, you read that right... not the sea, a river.
And a river that plays a major environmental and historical role in the communities it flows through.
The data is clear: around 70% of phosphate pollution in the Middle and Lower Otter comes directly from SWW’s sewage works — not farms.
(Source: Environment Agency ‘National Forward Runs 2024’; Otter Valley Association ORCA Testing 2025)
Phosphate pollution is suffocating wildlife and driving the river’s ‘Poor’ ecological status.
Yet SWW plans no real phosphate reduction until 2035. Surprise, surprise!
That’s why Richard Foord MP, backed by the Otter Valley Association and River Otter Fisheries Association, has written to outgoing SWW CEO Susan Davy demanding urgent action — not more excuses.
Hats off to them!
You can back Richard's campaign here https://lnkd.in/eYXdKZmR