Spot something unusual? Tell us first so we can act immediately.
Our rivers and streams are the heart of our community. Most of the time, they’re healthy and thriving, but if you spot a problem, we want to be the first to know.
As the local water company, we have specialist teams who are often just around the corner, ready to investigate and stop pollution at the source.
How to report river pollution
If you notice pollution, please complete the form and report it to us immediately.
You can also give us a call on 0800 783 4444, or send us a message through WhatsApp.
Contacting us directly is the fastest way to get an expert Incident Response Team to the site.
While national bodies like the Environment Agency monitor the UK's environment, reporting to Severn Trent ensures our local engineers can start the repair work right away.
Is it pollution or just nature doing its thing?
Before you reach for the phone, take a quick look at the water. Rivers are living things and change all the time - what looks unusual might actually be perfectly natural.
What’s normal
Bubbles or foam
Often found near treatment outlets; usually harmless and natural.
Earthy smells
Common near wetlands or after a change in weather.
Algae
Clear water with green growth is often just a sign of a healthy, sunny river.
Rainwater runoff
Heavy rain can make water look cloudy for a bit, but it’s not harmful.
Signs of pollution? (contact us!)
Strong odours
If the river smells like heavy chemicals, rotten eggs, or raw sewage.
Wildlife in distress
If you spot dead fish or animals acting strangely near the water.
Oily surfaces
A rainbow sheen or thick, persistent foam that doesn't break up.
Flooding infrastructure
Overflowing manholes or drains nearby.
Discoloured water
If the river looks unusually brown, black, milky, or grey. River water can have a natural brown tint, especially after rain.
These are natural river conditions – not pollution
Not everything that looks unusual in a river is pollution. Some changes you might notice happen naturally.
The examples below show common, harmless conditions that are often mistaken for pollution.
If you’re ever unsure, please report it to us. We’d always rather check and find a healthy river than miss the chance to protect one.
What we need to know
To help us find and fix the problem quickly, please have these details ready:
What happens next
Some more helpful info
Our Commitment
If the pollution has been caused by a problem on our network, we’ll get it fixed as soon as possible.
We report all known pollution incidents to the Environment Agency.