Warning after reports of people falling ill after being in river in Downton
They've happened over the last couple of months
There's a warning to residents in the Downton area after multiple reports of people falling ill after spending time in the river.
People have reported being in the Water Meadows and by Cow Bridge and then having sickness type symptoms.
Many of the incidents are thought to have involved children.
Rachel Lamb's family was one of those who fell ill:
"When swimming in the river at Downton meadows on the 14th August we were having a really lovely time, we were commenting on how lucky we are to live somewhere we can use this kind of resource but 24 hours later both my kids and my husband and I were really unwell and I checked in with the families we had gone with and they were also experiencing a very similar thing and my husband and I and our 9 year old were pretty poorly but my 6 year old was really very very unwell to the point where he couldn't keep anything down for hours and hours and it started to get a little bit scary."
There have been at least 7 reports in July and August of this happening.
Wessex Water operate storm overflows in the area, but the company say none of these sewage discharges happened on the dates that people were swimming or taking a dip in the river.
The operator also added that even if they had, the primary cause of overflow discharges in that area is groundwater – when no sewage whatsoever is released.
They want people to remember that there is always bacteria in the river, which can come from wildlife and agricultural run off.
In a statement, a Wessex Water spokesperson said:
“Every month we’re investing £3 million on storm overflows, starting with those that discharge most frequently or have any environmental impact.
“Overflows are permitted by the Environment Agency and operate automatically, during or after intense rainfall, to prevent sewage flooding homes and roads.
“While we believe they have no place in the 21st century, it’s important to remember there will always be bacteria in river water. This can come from wildlife and agricultural run-off as well as regulated overflows and treated sewage discharges.”