The Stratford area Safe Avon Citizen Science project was launched in the summer of 2023 by Dr. Geoff Sallis, with the aim of monitoring pollution levels along the River Avon and its tributaries. The local group now includes around 40 Citizen Scientists who regularly test water quality at 25 locations across Stratford-on-Avon District. (See map below for locations)
What We Test
The SafeAvon group uses the freshwater testing kits from Water Rangers UK. The costs of the kits have been funded through grants, including parish and town councils and Surfers Against Sewage. Results are uploaded to the Safe Avon database for analysis and long-term tracking. Testing includes:
- River temperature
- Electrical Conductivity
- Nitrates
- Nitrites
- Phosphates
Key Findings
Analysis of the Stratford area data reveals consistently high to very high pollution levels, based on thresholds set by the Freshwater Habitats Trust. Pollution sources include urban runoff, industrial discharge, agricultural practices, and sewage.
Focus on Sewage Pollution
Since the project began, SafeAvon has focused particularly on sewage pollution. Frequent untreated sewage spills from treatment plants have been observed, especially following heavy or prolonged rainfall. These spills occur when treatment facilities are overwhelmed by excess surface water entering the sewer system.
The Environment Agency tracks these spills and publishes annual data each March. Notably, in the past year, Severn Trent’s treatment plants at Frankton and Wellesbourne recorded spill durations equivalent to 6.1 and 5.5 months, respectively. It’s important to note that these figures represent duration, not volume.
This is deeply concerning for both river wildlife and public health—especially when considered alongside E. coli samples collected by Chris Jones at the Fisherman’s Car Park, as reported in the Stratford Herald (March 2025).
Engaging with Severn Trent
In response to the group’s concerns, Severn Trent was invited to explain the causes of these high spill levels and their plans for resolution. They hosted a presentation at Wellesbourne Village Hall, attended by over 40 people, including volunteers from Safe Avon, the Severn Rivers Trust, Leamington Canoe Club, Dene Action Group and parish councils including Alcester, Wellesbourne, Welford and Marton.
Severn Trent outlined their upcoming five-year investment plan, totalling £21 billion, covering a vast area from Sheffield to Bristol and Leicestershire to Hafren in Wales. Full details are available in their executive summary.The presentation included river health initiatives, challenges, and improvements in the Avon Leam catchments, focusing on wastewater management and collaboration.
The meeting concluded with a wide range of questions from the audience, who included Stratford MP; Manuela Perteghalla, Councillors; Nigel Rock and Natalie Gist from Bishops Itchington, Fenny Compton and Napton.
Looking Ahead
Whether this level of investment will be sufficient to meet the challenges of population growth, new housing developments, and climate change remains to be seen. Current projections suggest a 50% increase in winter flooding and a 37% increase in summer drought by 2050.
What Causes Spills?
Spills are often triggered by blockages caused by foreign materials such as wet wipes, fatbergs, and other debris—especially during periods of heavy rainfall. The UK sewage industry reports removing 2.5 million wet wipes annually, contributing to 300,000 blockages.
To help reduce blockages:
- Only flush the 3 Ps: paper, pee, and poo
- Look for “Safe to Flush” labels on products
- Avoid pouring fats, oils, grease, or food waste down the sink
Additionally, we can help by:
- Installing leaky water butts to harvest rainwater
- Creating soakaways in gardens and driveways to slow runoff into the sewer system
Continuing the Mission
SafeAvon will continue to monitor pollution and sewage spills in the Stratford area. The group is considering a wider public awareness campaign to encourage more responsible water use and waste disposal.
SEVERN TRENT PRESENTATION: GENERATIVE SUMMARY
RIVER HEALTH INITIATIVES
- Severn Trent aims to protect and improve river ecosystems.
- Five pledges were developed in 2021 to enhance river health.
- The Get River Positive website provides detailed information on these pledges.
REASONS FOR NOT ACHIEVING GOOD STATUS
- RNAGs (Reasons for Not Achieving Good Status) measure river health.
- In 2023, Severn Trent was responsible for 10.8% of RNAGs, down from 16% in 2022.
- The goal is to reduce this to less than 2% by 2030.
AVON WARWICKSHIRE RNAGs
- The 2022 River Basin Management Plan identified 635 RNAGs in the Avon Warwickshire catchment.
- Severn Trent is responsible for 14% of these RNAGs, addressing 41 since 2022.
LEAM WATERBODY RNAGs
- The Leam waterbody has 8 RNAGs, none attributed to Severn Trent.
- The waterbody from Itchen to Avon has 12 RNAGs, with Severn Trent responsible for 1.
INVESTMENT IN CATCHMENTS
- Severn Trent completed 21 AMP7 improvement schemes, focusing on sewage discharge and phosphate removal.
- Major investments include £45 million for Longbridge STW and £4.5 million for Tysoe STW.
PHOSPHATE REMOVAL
- Phosphate removal projects were installed at sewage works in the Leam/Itchen catchment during AMP6.
- Upgrades are ongoing at various sites, including Warwick and Stratford.
GREEN RECOVERY – BATHING RIVERS
- Ozone disinfection upgrades at wastewater treatment works are complete.
- The project improved over 120 km of river quality, benefiting local communities and the environment.
OUR SPILLS PROGRAMME
- Combined Storm Overflows (CSOs) discharge sewage during heavy rainfall to prevent flooding.
- Severn Trent is responsible for 14% of rivers not achieving good quality status.
FOCUS SITES
- Key sites include Marton Bridge, Braunston STW, Wellesbourne STW, Napton STW, and Frankton STW, with ongoing improvements.
SEWER HEALTH MISUSE
- Approximately 28,000 blockages are cleared annually, primarily due to inappropriate items being flushed.
- 2.5 million wet wipes are flushed down toilets each year, contributing to blockages.
WORKING WITH OTHERS
- Severn Trent engages with farmers to improve water quality through advice, training, and grants.
- The River Rangers team has conducted over 13,000 inspections to protect local rivers.