River Lim Report Reveals Alarming Sewage Crisis, Urges Action for Cleaner Waters

In a significant move for environmental advocacy, the River Lim Action (RLA) group has published a comprehensive report detailing the health of the River Lim in west Dorset, highlighting pressing concerns regarding the presence of human sewage in the water. The report, compiled following two years of diligent monitoring, sheds light on the pollution sources affecting the river and proposes actionable solutions to enhance its ecological integrity. The findings of the report draw from extensive data collected in collaboration with the Environment Agency (EA) during the bathing season, along with additional monitoring efforts by South West Water (SWW). Notably, tests conducted by the EA in 2023 revealed alarming levels of human-related bacteria at the river's mouth, where over 86 percent of bacterial samples were of human origin following light rainfall. In stark contrast, tests taken at Woodmead Road bridge showed a mere 2.5 percent human contribution, underscoring the severity of pollution near the coastline. The report confirms the presence of ruminant and avian markers, indicating that livestock and birds also contribute to the river's pollution. However, the campaigners are particularly concerned about the sheer volume of human sewage entering the waterway, calling for robust measures to combat this issue. The RLA has identified four primary solutions aimed at reducing human sewage levels in the River Lim. However, they caution that implementing these solutions will require a significant financial investment. Campaigners expressed their disappointment regarding South West Water's recent decisions, accusing the company of scaling back its investment commitments and failing to enhance storage capacity at the Uplyme Sewage Treatment Works—an essential step for reducing sewage discharges. Vicki Elcoate, a representative of the River Lim Action Group, emphasized the importance of achieving excellent water quality for bathing. "Now we've done the research, we're confident we know what needs to happen to get there," she stated, expressing optimism about the potential for collaboration with South West Water, the Environment Agency, and Dorset Council to effectively address the issues highlighted in the report. In response, South West Water affirmed its commitment to tackling storm overflows in Lyme Regis and the surrounding region. The company announced its goal to reduce spill occurrences from all seven storm overflows in the area, aiming for a target of just two spills per bathing season and an average of ten spills annually by 2027. The utility provider has undertaken measures to alleviate groundwater influx into their sewer systems and is actively addressing illegal wastewater connections that exacerbate the problem. While South West Water is making strides toward improvement, local campaigners remain vigilant, pressing for a thorough and timely implementation of the necessary enhancements to ensure the River Lim can reclaim its status as a clean and safe waterway for both ecological health and public enjoyment. The path forward hinges on collaboration and investment, as community members and organizations rally to protect their cherished river.