The proposal to cut a channel through the lake raises significant concerns about the potential dangers it poses to the environment and public health. While the River Thames Scheme may have justifications for such a project, it is crucial to consider the adverse consequences that could arise from the introduction of River Water, River Species, Sewage and Pollutants into the lake.

Cutting a channel through our lake would disrupt the delicate ecosystem that has developed over time. Lakes are home to diverse flora and fauna, and this interdependence can be severely affected by the influx of high volumes of River Water. Reed Beds would not be able to support filtration at that volume. The introduction of pollutants would lead to oxygen depletion, algal blooms, and the decline of aquatic life, endangering fish populations and other wildlife in the area.

Here are some potential impacts:

Disruption of Swimming Routes: Open water swimmers often rely on the natural configuration of the lake for their swimming routes. The construction of a flood relief channel would alter the lake's structure and flow patterns, potentially obstructing or eliminating existing swimming routes. Swimmers may have to navigate around the channel, resulting in changes to their swimming experience and limiting their access to certain areas of the lake.

Water Quality Concerns: The introduction of a flood relief channel increases the risk of water pollution, as floodwaters can carry contaminants into the lake. This raises concerns about the water quality for open water swimmers. Pollutants such as sediment, chemicals, and potential sewage can pose health risks and make swimming in the lake unsafe. Swimmers may have to closely monitor water quality reports and potentially limit or cease their swimming activities if the water becomes polluted.

Safety Hazards: The construction process itself may present safety hazards for open water swimmers. Excavation, dredging, and other activities associated with creating the flood relief channel can introduce submerged objects, debris, or unstable conditions in the water. These hazards can pose risks to swimmers, leading to injuries or accidents.

Disruption of Community and Events: Lakes often serve as popular gathering spots for open water swimming communities and host various swimming events and competitions. The construction of a flood relief channel could disrupt these community activities and events, as the lake's configuration and accessibility may change. Swimmers may need to find alternative locations or adapt their activities, impacting the sense of community and camaraderie that open water swimming at Ferris Meadow (Shepperton Open Water) offers.

Loss of Natural Beauty and Serenity: Open water swimmers are drawn to the tranquillity and natural beauty of lakes for mental health and wellbeing, not just for sport and competition. The construction of a flood relief channel may alter the landscape and visual aesthetics of the lake, potentially diminishing its appeal for swimmers seeking a serene and picturesque environment. The presence of the channel and associated construction activities could detract from the overall experience of open water swimming.

In summary, the construction of a flood relief channel through the lake would bring significant changes and challenges for open water swimmers and the business and micro businesses that operate there. 

It could disrupt swimming routes, raise water quality concerns, present safety hazards, disrupt community activities, and diminish the natural beauty and serenity that attract swimmers to the lake. Careful consideration of alternative flood management strategies that mitigate these impacts should be considered.

We know that the Environment Agency have never looked at any other routes to be considered. 

We cant really answer exactly what the alternatives would be, however, we are aware of alternative bodies of Water that link to the proposed route that flow around the lake. We ask, could this be a solution to stop the river entering the lake but still offering support to the scheme? 

We ask that they look into the suggestions being presented to them.