Londoners have been warned after sewage leaked into streams running through several parks and green spaces.
Wimbledon and Putney Commons used social media to say "sewage has entered Beverley Brook on Wimbledon Common" and said Richmond Park and Barnes Common were also affected.
VISITOR INFORMATION - BEVERLEY BROOK - Thames Water have made us aware that following a mains failure, sewage has entered Beverley Brook on Wimbledon Common. People and dogs should keep out of the Brook, from Wimbledon Common and downstream, until the situation is resolved. pic.twitter.com/STrhepJniz
— Wimbledon and Putney Commons (@WimPutCommons) August 15, 2024
They said “People and dogs should keep out of the Brook, from Wimbledon Common and downstream, until the situation is resolved.”The Royal Parks posted a similar warning, saying that as “the Brook flows through Richmond Park dogs should be kept out of the water until the situation is resolved”.
📢 Please be advised that @WimPutCommons have been notified by Thames Water that following a mains failure, sewage has entered Beverley Brook on Wimbledon Common.
— The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) August 15, 2024
⛔ As the Brook flows through Richmond Park dogs should be kept out of the water until the situation is resolved. pic.twitter.com/z9MvSjl4uR
Thames Water said it was working to repair a burst mains pipe and was "using tankers to ensure no further discharge".
A spokesman for the firm said: “Our teams are working to repair a burst rising main in the area, and we are using tankers to ensure no further discharge.
"An assessment of what mitigation measures need to be carried out will take place shortly."
It comes as water companies face criticism for their handling of sewage, with Ofwat proposing £168 million of fines for three of England’s biggest water companies.
The penalties include a £104 million penalty for Thames Water, £47 million penalty for Yorkshire Water and £17 million for Northumbrian Water for failing to manage sewage spills.
The Government has previously announced a Water (Special Measures) Bill to cut sewage spills and attract investment to upgrade infrastructure.
It also announced compensation for customers receiving poor services from water companies who are failing to meet standards could more than double under new proposals.
As part of the plans, the list of circumstances that can trigger compensation will also be expanded, including automatic payments for those issued boil notices or when water companies fail to conduct meter readings or installations as promised.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the Government hopes to “turn the tide on the destruction of our waterways”.
The proposals, which will be subject to an eight-week consultation, will increase the amount of compensation customers are legally entitled to when standards are not met by water companies.
