Thousands march against sewage pollution of rivers in the UK
Kyiv • UNN
A massive protest was held in London against the pollution of water bodies by untreated wastewater. The number of wastewater discharges in the UK increased by 50% last year, reaching a record 464,000 spills.
Thousands of people carrying placards with slogans such as "Stop the emissions" and "Species, not feces" marched in London on Sunday, demanding the cleanup of sewage-fouled waterways in the UK. This was reported by AP, UNN reports.
Details
The organizers estimated that 15,000 people took part in the march along the Thames River to Parliament, many dressed in blue and waving blue flags to form a "human river.
The March for Clean Water was organized by various organizations, from Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth to British Rowing.
Water pollution is becoming an increasingly prominent issue in the UK, drawing attention to climate change and the consequences of the privatization of British utilities that took place several decades ago.
Private companies that provide both water and sewerage have been unable to update their Victorian infrastructure as the population has grown and demand has increased. Discharges are commonplace, and during heavy rains, companies dump untreated wastewater into rivers, lakes, and the sea. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the number of discharges increased by more than 50% last year to a record 464,000 spills.
Water companies say the industry regulator will not allow them to raise water bills enough to finance the improvements.
