A new report, endorsed by chief medical officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty, has recommended upgrading the UK’s sewage system to decrease the risk of individuals ingesting human waste while swimming in rivers and the sea.
Unveiling the report, Sir Chris stated that while there is limited evidence of people becoming ill after ingesting traces of sewage while swimming, the evidence base remains thin. However, with an increasing number of Britons engaging in water activities such as swimming, surfing, and paddling, coupled with evidence of overloaded sewers, the risk of orally ingesting human faecal organisms may increase.
This issue has come to the forefront as a recent outbreak of the waterborne disease cryptosporidium has been identified in Brixham, Devon, with some speculating that it may have originated from cow faeces leaking into damaged pipes. Additionally, reports have surfaced of millions of litres of raw sewage being pumped into Lake Windermere.
While originally designed to reduce health hazards, the focus of inspections and investments in sewage systems has shifted towards cost and environmental impact. Now, with increased awareness of the risks to human health, Sir Chris emphasized the need for this issue to be taken seriously.
Human waste can contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella, campylobacter, E. coli, and norovirus, which can cause a range of symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. While emergency discharges of raw sewage have garnered public attention and outrage, they are only part of the problem as some faecal organisms that can cause disease remain even in treated sewage, which is routinely released into the water.
The report, led by the Royal Academy of Engineering, suggests a variety of solutions to address the UK’s deteriorating water system, including a review of current measures to protect designated bathing waters. Concerns were raised about the infrequency of bathing water quality testing, which only occurs once a week during the summer, potentially allowing some viruses to go undetected.
The report also calls for water companies, who have been accused of chronic underinvestment, to improve the maintenance and rehabilitation of ageing wastewater infrastructure. Additionally, regulators should monitor both untreated and treated sewage entering the water, with the data being made readily available to the public to aid in their decision-making when considering swimming.
Charles Watson, chairman of the River Action campaign group, welcomed the report’s recommendations to improve water quality monitoring. He emphasized that, outside of designated river bathing sites, little is being done to inform river users of the potential dangers they may face. He called on politicians to treat the report as a “major wake-up call” following past failures to protect the public from rising levels of sewage pollution.
The report also suggests implementing incentives for the public to remove impervious surfaces in urban areas, such as patios and paved-over gardens, which would not only help to improve water quality but also contribute to greener cities.
Responding to the report, a spokesperson for Water UK stressed the urgency of investing in the country’s water system. They noted that water companies have a plan in place to double current spending levels between now and 2030, with a significant focus on public health, particularly in designated bathing areas.
The government’s environment department (DEFRA) announced that they will be consulting later this year on new bathing water regulations, though this may not occur until after the general election. They added that alongside the Environment Agency’s efforts to secure over £150m in fines and quadrupling inspections, they are driving the largest infrastructure program in water company history, with a budget of £60bn over 25 years to reduce spills.
In conclusion, the report highlights the need for urgent action to address the UK’s deteriorating sewage system, with a focus on protecting public health and improving water quality monitoring. With increasing numbers of individuals engaging in water activities and the potential risks posed by overloaded sewers, it is essential to invest in and maintain the country’s water infrastructure to ensure the safety of the public.
