Anglia Water has launched ‘Pollution Watch’, a new campaign to ensure that all incidents of sewage pollution are dealt with as quickly as possible, to minimise the impact on the environment.

They are investing £5.5m in network maintenance, but if you spot any potential sewage pollution issues you can now ring their dedicated Pollution Hotline 03457 145145 to report them and so enable them to respond sooner and look after our rivers and waterways.

Pollution can kill fish and other aquatic life and also affect the use of water and land for agricultural, business, community purposes.

Escapes from the sewage system are commonly caused by the build-up of fats, oils and greases, sanitary waste and wipes; all of which cause blockages and reduce the flow of sewage through the network.

There are many tell-tale signs that pollution has entered a river or a stream. These include:

• sewage solids
• toilet debris such as toilet paper, condoms and sanitary products
• soap suds or a milky-looking discharge in the water
• grey coloured water
• a noticeable sewage smell