28 Mar 2025
Harpenden MP Victoria Collins has condemned the ongoing release of sewage into the River Ver at Markyate – which stands at over 100 days and counting.
The Markyate Sewage Treatment works have not stopped dumping waste into the waterway since early December, and Thames Water has done nothing to tackle the situation.
The River Ver is one of the world’s few chalk streams, and depends on a diverse range of plants and animals that depend on its clear, cool water.
Victoria is joining fellow Lib Dems in calling on the Government to replace Ofwat with a new regulator with proper enforcement powers to hold water companies accountable and put a stop to the sewage scandal.
She said: “Residents across Harpenden, including myself, are appalled by the total desecration of our waterways caused by the sewage dumping, all while facing soaring water bills from a company that continues to profit off the back of environmental destruction.
“We are fortunate to have some of the most ecologically diverse waterways in the country running through our community – including rare chalk streams which are defined by their crystal-clear water.
“To allow these habitats to be poisoned by unchecked pollution is nothing short of a national scandal.
“We must do everything we can to safeguard our environment, and hold its polluters accountable. That is why I, alongside my fellow Liberal Democrats, am committed to fighting for stronger environmental protections, tougher regulations of water industries, and a real investment in sustainable infrastructure to end the routine dumping of sewage in our rivers once and for all.”
You can see how long the Markyate sewage dumping has been taking place here.
