We are pleased that there have been no sewage discharges into the River Chess since November 2021. This follows extensive efforts by Thames Water to reduce ingress and leakages. They have now started a major project to increase the treatment capacity at Chesham Sewage Treatment Works, which is critical to improve sewage services and reduce the frequency of storm discharges into the Chess. The work started on 20 June 2022, and is scheduled to last approximately 36 weeks. Work will take place Monday to Friday, 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, with extra traffic expected on the lanes.
Both groundwater ingress and storm discharges have a negative impact on the river and water quality. Storm discharges are sudden and the pollution is more concentrated. Groundwater ingress discharges last for longer, often months and have more long term impact on the river. Both need to be solved.
