03/09/2023
Press Release
Save The River Usk
01/09/23
E.coli - Shocking levels in River Usk nearly 300 times higher than
minimum bathing status. Citizen scientists from Save The River Usk have uncovered disturbingly high levels of the
bacteria E.coli from Brecon and Usk Sewage Treatment Works. The group conducted tests on the effluent discharged from the sewage treatment works at
Brecon and Usk.Tests were taken 2 weeks ago and sent to a laboratory for analysis
Laboratory Result at Brecon Sewage Treatment outfall:
242,000 cfu/100ml Minimum bathing status is 900 fu and 500 fu is considered good river
quality. CFU (colony forming units the number of live E.coli bacteria.)
Laboratory Result at Usk Sewage Treatment outfall:
34.500 cfu/100ml "Save The River Usk is deeply alarmed by these findings, which highlight the urgent need for immediate action to address the sewage pollution affecting our beloved River Usk" remarked
Angela Jones chairperson for the group The River Usk does not have any areas classified as bathing status, Natural Resources Wales the regulator does not conduct routine E.coli testing. Natural Resources Wales sets the standards for sewage treatment through permits. The public will probably be surprised to
hear these permits do not have any requirement to remove these harmful bacteria. Save The River Usk has operated for eighteen months conducting testing on the River from Sennybridge to Newbridge on Usk, they have highlighted the shocking levels of phosphate that is discharged into the River Usk from sewage treatment works and are now highlighting shocking levels of E.Coli. "What else are the sewage treatment works discharging into our
River?" said Angela Jones. The River Usk is designated as an SAC (Special Area of Conservation) one of nine in Wales
yet it is one of the most polluted, with 88% of its length failing phosphate targets .
As they work to raise awareness, Save The River Usk remains dedicated to ensuring the recovery of the river to its former glory and maintaining it for generations to come. The group
encourages concerned individuals and stakeholders to join them in their mission to restore
and protect the river's health
About Save the River Usk: Save The River Usk is a passionate environmental group that's non political and non confrontational. Committed to sateguarding the health and well-being ot the River Usk and its surrounding ecosystem Through regular testing with volunteers, education, awareness campaigns and collaborative efforts, the group strives to address pollution, protect aquatic
life and preserve the River Usk for future generations
Please join us in Protecting the River Usk .
Next meeting October 2nd 7pm Kings Arms Abergavenny
NP7 9AA
Save the River UskRiver Action UKAbergavenny, MonmouthshireCPRWAbergavenny Voice.usk and All surrounding areas community pageBreconSouth Wales ArgusDwr Cymru Welsh WaterCrickhowell notice boardSaveTheTeifiBBC NewsRiver Action UKNatural WeighClimate Cymru
