W.A.T.E.R. – Wriggle Valley Community Update
Wriggle Action Towards Environmental Resilience
Over the last few weeks, things have been particularly busy throughout the Wriggle Valley, with several days of much-needed rainfall following the prolonged dry weather. Recent rainfall has once again highlighted the pressures on our local drainage and combined sewer systems, with further discharges of diluted untreated sewage from the Beer Hackett Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) into the River Wriggle.
Encouraging news from Brister End and Brierly Hay
Despite the recent rainfall, I am pleased to report that no incidents of untreated sewage escaping through the sewer inspection covers at Brister End or Brierly Hay were recorded during the latest rainfall events.
This is particularly encouraging and may be an early indication that the work undertaken throughout the summer months, together with the fantastic support of local residents installing water butts, rainwater storage tanks, rain gardens and other water management features, is beginning to make a difference.
By keeping clean rainwater out of our combined sewer system, we can help reduce the hydraulic pressure that contributes to sewage surcharging onto our roads and pavements.
Of course, it is still early days. There is a long way to go, and potentially many more periods of heavy and prolonged rainfall ahead. We will therefore continue monitoring these locations closely throughout the winter months.
Funding secured for independent water quality testing
I am delighted to announce that W.A.T.E.R. has successfully secured £1,250 in funding from Yetminster and Ryme Intrinseca Parish Council following our recent grant application.
This funding will enable us to undertake a winter water quality monitoring programme, collecting samples from any future untreated sewage surcharging events at Brister End and Brierly Hay, together with relevant locations along the River Wriggle.
Samples will be submitted to an independent laboratory for analysis to identify and measure potential contamination, including E. coli, other coliform bacteria, ammonia, phosphates and nitrates.
To date, we are not aware of any comprehensive independent laboratory testing of untreated sewage surcharging at these locations. Previous monitoring by Wessex Water has included periodic on-site ammonia testing, but this does not provide the same breadth of information as the laboratory analysis we are proposing.
This programme will provide valuable evidence of potential public health and environmental risks associated with untreated sewage escaping onto roads, pavements and into our local watercourses.
The findings will be shared with Wessex Water, the Environment Agency, the Parish Council and other relevant organisations to help inform future action and investment.
We are extremely grateful to the Parish Council for supporting this important initiative.
How many water butts do we have in our villages?
I would really like to carry out a community survey to establish how many households throughout the Wriggle Valley are already collecting rainwater from their roofs rather than allowing it to enter the combined sewer system.
If you have one or more water butts or rainwater storage tanks connected to your roof downpipes, please email me with the following information:
- Your village and postcode.
- How many water butts or storage tanks you have.
- Their approximate capacity in litres.
- When they were installed, even if only an approximate year.
- Whether their overflow still enters the combined sewer system.
Please send your details to wrigglevalleycommunity@yahoo.com.
This information will help us understand how much rainwater is already being captured locally and support future projects and funding applications.
Thank you to everyone who has already taken steps to keep clean rainwater out of our sewers. Every contribution, however small, is appreciated.
Working together to improve the River Wriggle
I recently spent a fascinating morning with Mark, a local Yetminster resident who regularly collects and analyses river water samples at various locations along the River Wriggle on behalf of the Wriggle River Improvement Group (W.R.I.G.).
The results are passed to the Yeo Rivers Community Trust, where they are recorded and contribute to our growing understanding of the river's water quality.
This important voluntary work provides valuable evidence to support future environmental improvements.
The following week, I met with Tom, another local resident who has a wealth of practical knowledge about drainage systems, highway gullies and surface water management.
Together, we visited several locations and discussed how improvements could be achieved through closer cooperation with Dorset Council's Highways Department. Sometimes relatively straightforward maintenance and drainage improvements can make a significant difference to local flooding.
Positive discussions with the Environment Agency
I also met with two Environment Agency managers to discuss future action to improve the ecological condition of the River Wriggle over the coming years and beyond.
Our discussions included natural flood management, river obstructions, water quality and the need to reduce the frequency and impact of untreated sewage discharges through Combined Sewer Overflows.
Both managers expressed considerable interest in our recent funding application to Wessex Water's Rainwater Management Fund, particularly the proposed Brister End pilot project. They will be following its progress with interest.
It is encouraging to see the growing cooperation between local residents, community groups and the organisations responsible for managing our rivers, drainage and wastewater infrastructure.
People's Emergency Briefing – Leigh
I was delighted to be invited to join the panel at the screening of the People's Emergency Briefing in Leigh.
Over 100 members of the local community attended, demonstrating the considerable interest in environmental issues, climate resilience and the challenges facing our communities.
Following the screening, I joined fellow panellists in answering questions from the audience and discussing practical ways in which local communities can make a difference.
It was an excellent opportunity to share the work already being undertaken by W.A.T.E.R. and highlight the importance of practical, community-led solutions.
Brister End Rainwater Capture Pilot Project
I recently attended a meeting of the Yetminster Allotments Committee, where I gave a presentation outlining our proposed Brister End Rainwater Capture and Resilience Project.
The project, for which we have applied for funding through Wessex Water, aims to capture and store significant quantities of clean rainwater from local properties and community buildings.
A major benefit will be improved access to free, stored rainwater for allotment holders, reducing their reliance on mains water during dry periods.
Equally importantly, by diverting clean rainwater away from the combined sewer system, we aim to reduce hydraulic overloading, which contributes to sewage surcharging through inspection covers onto our roads and pavements, and discharges of diluted untreated sewage into the River Wriggle.
The Allotments Committee has been supportive of the proposals, and I look forward to developing the project further.
Top Tip – Make your water butt work harder!
If you already have a water butt or rainwater storage tank connected to a roof downpipe, thank you!
One useful tip is to consider allowing a small, controlled release of stored rainwater between rainfall events, particularly when your water butt is already full.
By creating additional storage capacity before the next rainfall, your water butt can capture more rainwater rather than allowing it to overflow back into the drainage system.
A small, carefully controlled release onto a suitable garden area can be beneficial, provided the ground can safely absorb the water.
Important safety note: Any released water must be directed to a suitable permeable area where it can safely soak into the ground, away from buildings, foundations, neighbouring properties, footpaths and highways. Never allow water to cause damp, erosion, flooding or a nuisance to others. Avoid releasing water onto already saturated ground, and do not leave taps open where uncontrolled drainage could cause damage. A properly designed slow-release or overflow arrangement is preferable to leaving an ordinary tap open continuously.
Coming soon – Free Rainwater Dye Testing
Finally, I am hoping to share some exciting news very shortly.
We are developing plans to offer a free dye testing service to homeowners concerned that clean rainwater from their roofs, driveways or other hard surfaces may be entering the combined sewer system.
This will help identify opportunities to separate clean rainwater from foul drainage where practical, safe and appropriate.
Further details will follow once arrangements have been confirmed.
Thank you for your continued support
I would like to thank everyone who continues to support W.A.T.E.R., particularly those residents who have already taken practical steps to manage rainwater around their homes.
We are making encouraging progress, but there is still much to achieve. By working together with residents, local organisations, Wessex Water, the Environment Agency and Dorset Council, we can continue making improvements to flooding, water quality and the ecological health of the River Wriggle.
I look forward to sharing further developments and, hopefully, some exciting news in our next update.
Paul Hollick
Chair and Founder
W.A.T.E.R. – Wriggle Action Towards Environmental Resilience