Campaign to stamp out misconnected drainage receives industry-wide support

Water companies have given backing to ConnectRight, a campaign from the National Misconnections Strategy Group aimed at reducing water pollution caused by misconnected drains and sewers.

During a high-profile launch of the campaign’s new website in London today, trade body Water UK, the Environment Agency (EA) and NGO Surfers Against Sewage agreed it was vital the public were made aware of the environmental problems caused when household wastewater is allowed to flow into surface water sewers.

Speaking at the launch, water minister Dan Rogerson, said: “When we see these polluted bathing waters, most people assume pollution is from agriculture, industry or from sewage works. They do not necessarily think that pollution can also come from homes but in many instances that is just the case.”

According to the EA, on average 9 per cent of the pollution at bathing waters comes from misconnected drainage, while 29 per cent comes from sewage and 35 per cent from agriculture.

Sarah Mukherjee, director of environment at Water UK, said it was significant that the whole of the industry supported the campaign.

“We might not always agree on everything, but the fact that we are all saying the same thing on this particular issue is very powerful,” she said.

Rogerson added: “Prevention is better than cure and if we can prevent new misconnections occurring then we will be winning the battle against water pollution and improving the water environment for generations to come.”

ConnectRight estimates there are up to half a million properties with misconnections and while technically, householders who do not fix them could be fined up to £50,000, the EA’s Christine Tuckett said she was aware of no enforcement action to date.

Water companies who part-funded the campaign, are also sceptical about enforcing individual households to comply and prefer an education and awareness approach.