Good afternoon,

I am writing to provide an update following an Environment Agency site visit undertaken this morning in response to the ongoing reports of suspected pollution within Millbrook Lake.

During the visit, I inspected all mapped and visible South West Water (SWW) surface water outfalls, alongside the permitted Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) serving the area. Particular attention was given to the reports focused around Lower Anderton Road and the black corrugated plastic pipe outfall where several incidents have been reported. The black corrugated pipe was confirmed as the outfall identified in the reports. During the inspection, a sanitary pad was observed in the vicinity of the outfall. However, if a chronic sewage misconnection were present, I would typically expect to see additional indicators such as sewage fungus, sewage-related debris, persistent discolouration and elevated ammonia readings. None of these indicators were identified during today’s visit.

The area surrounding the outfall contains general litter and debris, likely influenced by its proximity to a public footpath. In addition, there is significant evidence of algal die-off and bleaching around the lake margins, which is contributing to the unpleasant appearance and odour being reported.

I also undertook basic water quality testing at various locations around the lake this morning. All tests returned negative results for ammonia, which would typically be expected if there were an active sewage pollution source.

I was shown a video circulating on social media which appears to show light-brown discoloured water entering the lake from the black surface water outfall. Based on my observations, it is possible that this discolouration could be associated with sediment-laden surface water runoff, potentially linked to soil disturbance from nearby property works combined with the periods of rainfall experienced over recent weeks. Sewage discharges would typically present as grey or brown-grey in colour and often contain visible solids or debris.

In addition to our investigations, on 17 August 2026, South West Water undertook checks of all relevant permitted assets within the locality. Their investigations found:

• The permitted CSO had not been active and does not align with the location of the reported issues.
• Telemetry records showed no recorded spills from wastewater assets during the period of concern.
• Assets in the vicinity of the reported location were operating as intended, with no faults identified.
• An SWW operator attended the site and observed no evidence of sewage pollution, including no sewage fungus or sewage-related discolouration.
• A further attendance during daylight hours confirmed these findings, with dried and dead algae present in the area.

While I cannot state with absolute certainty that there has been no pollution event, based on the evidence available to me today, I have been unable to identify a direct source of sewage pollution entering the lake.

We would, however, encourage residents to continue reporting any future incidents or observations. Community vigilance remains important, and ongoing reports help us to build a clearer understanding of any emerging environmental issues. We do not wish to discourage vigilance, and any new evidence will be reviewed and investigated as appropriate.

Please find attached a map of the drainage network. Blue lines indicate surface water sewers, red indicates foul sewers, and orange indicates combined sewers. The four mapped surface water outfalls are also shown in blue.