City folk and wildlife who inhabit waterways could be swimming in last night's leftovers as data reveals high levels of sewage is making its way into the Wensum.
The Rivers Trust's updated Sewage Map released by the Environment Agency has revealed the alarmingly high level of untreated sewage which discharges into the waterways of Norwich.
In the last year alone, the map has tracked more than 470,000 reported sewage discharges across England and Wales, cumulatively running for an astonishing 3.45 million hours.
In Norwich, the situation is concerning for those who frequent the waterways.
In 2023, sewer storm overflows into the River Wensum occurred at alarming frequencies and durations.
These included spills as long as 276 hours and as frequently as 66 times in different points along the river.
Norfolk County councillor for Thorpe St Andrew, Ian Mackie, said: "The rivers in and around Norwich have always been incredibly important and have the potential to be so much more.
"Pollution is a real concern and some raw sewage is still going straight into our rivers.
"Action to tackle offending causes should be taken much quicker, this is a public health issue and one that does worry me."
Jasmine Harvey, 26, a keen wild swimmer, said: "It will definitely make me think more carefully about the spots I would choose to swim in, but resources such as the river trust’s sewage map are useful to make informed choices.
"I’ve never been made ill by wild swimming, and would definitely still do it, but that risk definitely makes it less appealing.
Mr Mackie added: "This is a fragile environment and has to be used in a sustainable way, doing nothing isn’t an option to ensure local environmental concerns are addressed to keep people safe and the waterways clean.”
And it's not just the human inhabitants of Norwich impacted by this worrying escalation in waterway pollution.
Norfolk wildlife expert Liam Smith detailed the impact on the area’s rich biodiversity.
Pollutants can affect aquatic life in two major ways: drastically reducing oxygen levels, leading to mass fish kills, and promoting the dominant growth of certain plants and algae to the detriment of other more delicate species.
Mr Smith said: "Sadly, although some parts of the city rivers are still full of life, numbers of some species do seem to have declined in recent years.
"If pollution and sewage ingress into our waterways keeps getting worse, we may lose some sensitive species and habitats, once they're gone, it will not be easy to get them back again."
However, in addition to the problems, there could be potential solutions too.
Both Mr Mackie and Mr Smith advocated for more public involvement in environmental vigilance and protection.
According to Mr Mackie, the solution may lay in developing or delegating powers to drive positive change, while Mr Smith urged people to report potential pollution incidents promptly and keep applying pressure on responsible agencies.
Even the heightened usage of waterways by Norwich's citizens could become an advantage.
More people on the waters translates to more eyes vigilant for pollution and more hands ready to protect these precious environments.
As folk continue to paddle, sail, and enjoy Norfolk's rivers, they can also all play their part to help keep them safe, clean, and teeming with life.
Mr Smith said: "The increased use of our waterways can negatively impact wildlife if people aren't careful not to disturb animals when they're in the water.
"However, it's also a great thing that more people are using waterways as that means there are more people who can help to take care of them."
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