The London Assembly report emphasizes the need for the Mayor of London to establish clear objectives to ensure the city’s rivers are safe for swimming.

Additionally, the Environment Committee has suggested stricter enforcement against sewage pollution and the creation of ten new natural bathing sites by the year 2034.

The River Roding Trust, a group that has long advocated for improvements in pollution management, insists that a new approach is necessary for the stewardship of rivers.

City Hall has affirmed the Mayor’s commitment to the cleanup and protection of London’s waterways, while Thames Water claims they are making “record levels of investment” aimed at reducing sewage discharges into the Thames by 95%.

In East London, the River Roding is plagued by high sewage levels, causing concerning water quality readings.

Barrister Paul Powlesland from the River Roding Trust tested an outfall pipe using an ammonia checker, which quickly indicated high levels of ammonia, confirming the presence of sewage.

According to Mr. Powlesland, only rainwater should drain from such pipes.

He explained, “This indicates ammonia levels of at least 9.99 parts per million, which signifies untreated sewage.

“We shouldn’t encounter such high figures in London’s rivers.”

Mr. Powlesland argues that the Roding requires a dedicated management entity.

“There are multiple agencies responsible for various tasks,” he noted.

“Currently, there isn’t a single group focused entirely on nurturing and protecting the river.”

In August, an investigation by the Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed over 2,000 properties in London were illegally discharging raw sewage into rivers due to drainage issues.

A spokesperson for the Mayor mentioned that efforts are underway to mitigate sewage pollution and rectify the problem of drainage misconnections to ensure that London’s rivers become a point of pride for all residents.

Community organizations have asserted that cleaner waterways would benefit both people and wildlife alike.

At the Laburnum Boat Club in Hackney, which offers canoeing opportunities on the Regent’s Canal, one instructor remarked, “It’s crucial, especially to see the joy on young people’s faces as they get to paddle in all sorts of weather.”

Further recommendations from the report include implementing more sustainable drainage systems and real-time monitoring of water quality.

Regarding new bathing sites, the committee has proposed establishing four by 2028 and six more by 2034, accompanied by a clear plan for delivery.

The report emphasizes, “These should be spread throughout the capital, beginning with river locations currently enjoyed for recreation.”

The report urges the Greater London Authority to collaborate with Thames Water and other stakeholders to address sewage pollution, particularly from sewer overflows and misconnections, and to delineate key actions to be undertaken by 2034.

Zack Polanski, the chair of the committee and the new leader of the Green Party, remarked in the report’s introduction: “A prosperous city like London should not have a reputation marred by sewage in its rivers.

“It’s time for a bold plan to ensure clean rivers not just for this generation, but for those yet to come.”

Thames Water highlighted that it is investing at unprecedented levels and pointed to the £4.6 billion Thames Tideway Tunnel project, which is projected to reduce sewage discharges into the Thames by 95%.

The company added that pollution levels are also influenced by agriculture, industry, surface runoff from roads, and extreme weather, asserting that transparency is “central” to its operations.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has vowed to make London’s rivers swimmable by 2034, describing their current condition as a “national embarrassment.”