Cranleigh’s Waters Matters

Cranleigh Water Matters

Healthy rivers and streams?

Members of Cranleigh Civic Society have been actively keeping an eye on the state of Cranleigh’s local water pollution levels. Along with other volunteers for Surrey Wildlife Trust, we have been testing the local streams and brooks for phosphate pollution and river-fly larvae numbers – the higher the better the water quality. for a snapshot of measurements taken have a look at the Environment Agency website here

Flood Forum Follow up?

On 6th May we were joined by our MP Angela Richardson, Liz Townsend – our Surrey CC and Waverley Borough Council elected member  – along with a representative of the Environment Agency, and one from Surrey County Council flood team for a walk and casual survey of the brook running from Cranleigh Showground to the grill at the junction of Ewhurst Road and New Park Road.  Known as Cranleigh Waters and going to the River Wey it is under the watchful eye of the Environment Agency as well as Surrey County Council.

Whose responsibility is it to keep the waterways unblocked?

A watercourse is any natural or artificial channel which water flows through- river, stream, ditch, cut, culvert, dike or sluice.  Landowners who own land situated adjacent to any watercourse are termed riparian owners. If your land boundary is along a watercourse it is assumed that you are responsible for maintenance up to the centre of the channel, while the landowner on the other side of the watercouse is responsible for the other half.  If a watercourse flows through your land you are responsible for all maintenance. They must be kept free of obstructions and free of debris and the flow must be maintained enough for fish and creatures to pass along. They must not be added to or polluted in any way, including garden waste disposal. If invasive specials of plants or creatures are found authorities should be asked for help to remove. Any land work must not damage the delicate wildlife habitats that take years to naturally develop. for more information go to surreycc.gov.uk/riparianownership or click here

Much discussion centred on the ‘riparian responsibilities’ for the banks and the maintenance of the grill at the road junction. We subsequently discovered that much of the stretch between park Drive and New Park Road is down to Waverley Borough Council!  This happens where roads are provided by Surrey County Council but they in turn contract out to Boroughs for verge etc. management.

Riverfly lavae health and numbers? 

The river-fly situation, where we count the larvae of various waterborne insects and fish fry, appears generally positive, particularly above Cranleigh Showground. Some of the waters around the Downs Link further to the South East are less happy situations. There is a suggestion that it is run-off from the old contaminated ex-brickworks which is apparently currently (pun!) being dealt with.

Phosphate levels in our waters?

The phosphate levels to the North of the village too, despite being above the desirable level are clearly not too bad because the waters are relatively teeming with fish, shrimp and larvae. Don’t get too excited about the shrimp, these are way too small to warrant firing up the barbecue.

The phosphate levels, though, in some streams, are quite worrying. Likely sources of the pollution could be run-off from septic tanks or missed connections in the grey water system. e.g. for a washing machine or dishwasher. Ultimate responsibility for grey water issues which also include sewerage rest with Thames Water.  What we are doing is finding the evidence with which to pressure Thames Water.  Surrey Wildlife Trust will follow up with Surrey County Council and the Environment Agency, to ensure the right actions are taken with Thames Water.

Replacement of Mains water pipes, including those made of asbestos cement?

Mains water pipes are also the main (pun intended) focus of our other complaints on everyone’s behalf – leakages and bursts – which we and others report as soon as seen. Thames Water are replacing lengths of mains pipes all over the village where they are fed up with repairing them. There are many road closures which is so frustrating but, well, (another awful pun) we do need the work done!

If you have concerns about a water course locally please email Surrey County Council at flooding.enquiries@surreycc.gov.uk

This will provide helpful information:

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/roadworks-and-maintenance/report-a-highway-problem/drainage-and-flooding/living-next-to-a-watercourse-your-rights-and-responsibilities

For more information on phosphate levels. This will provide more information https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/++preview++/environment-and-business/challenges-and-choices/user_uploads/phosphorus-pressure-rbmp-2021.pdf

 

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Ian Latimer
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Ian Latimer
2 years ago

Never mind the rivers and streams being polluted although this is not good, what about the supply of fresh water to all the houses in Cranleigh ?
I think we are all suffering from very weak pressure a lot of the time from all our taps!!!!!!
I just think with all these massive new developments popping up in Cranleigh the developers, architects, engineers , councils and especially Thames Water have not allowed for this tremendous drain on reservoirs etc. When was the last time a reservoir was built?
All these new houses are putting a strain on water supply, electricity supply, Cranleigh Clinic, Local roads and parking especially in Cranleigh High Street and The A281 !!!!!!
What are they all doing about all these problems which will only get worse as new houses are occupied.

Barry rodnight
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Barry rodnight
2 years ago
Reply to  Ian Latimer

Hi, I’m surprise with the statement the waters are ‘relatively teaming with fish’. I more than weekly walk my dog from Cranleigh to Run Common and when the river is mostly clear I’ve looked for fish on crossing bridges, in the last three years only once seen small fry, never fish, this was near East Whipley Farm. So I can’t agree with the comment in your report, certainly for the waters from Cranleigh to Run Common.

Ian Latimer
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Ian Latimer
2 years ago

Never mind rivers and streams being polluted although this is not a good thing what about all the houses in Cranleigh who have very weak water pressure from all taps ????

All these massive new developments have been built with not enough foresight with water supply !!!! When was the last new reservoir built in Cranleigh?

Also what is happening about demand on Cranleigh Clinic, dentists, schools, electricity supplies, Traffic flow through Cranleigh High Street and A281 and car parking????

What are Thames Water, developers, councils, electricity and gas suppliers doing about these issues as they will only get worse when all these new houses are occupied????