Pollution and protest

In 2020, Thames Water released an estimated 500,000 litres of raw sewage into Seacourt Stream. July that year saw the start of community-led group campaigning against sewage pollution of our rivers, #EndSewagePollutionThames.

The campaign resulted in a stretch of the river near Wolvercote becoming a 'designated river bathing area', which means it gets regularly tested for harmful pollution. The campaign is still ongoing.t

Below are photos from a protest against Thames Water's sewage dumping practices, which was held at Henley-on-Thames in November 2022.

A crowd of protesters gathered with placards.

Banner drop from a bridge over the river at Henley.

Protest by swimmers in the Thames at Henley.

Various placards and protest signs protesting sewage pollution and sewage dumping by Thames Water.