MP Says Raw Sewage Flooding Gardens is ‘Absolutely Disgusting’ – ‘Thames Water Must Stop It’

Published on: 22 Jan, 2025
Updated on: 22 Jan, 2025

“Absolutely disgusting…” says Jeremy Hunt MP in Alfold

By Chris Caulfield

local democracy reporter

Raw sewage flooded a village and now the area’s MP is calling on Thames Water to sort the “unacceptable” problem once and for all.

The video, posted by Godalming and Ash MP Jeremy Hunt, shows sewage water rising out of the ground and gardens flooded with murky water, with residents in Alfold saying it’s the second time in a month they’ve been forced to take action.

Thames Water has said it apologises to Alfold residents who have been affected and plans to re-line pipes to prevent groundwater from infiltrating the sewers.

Mr Hunt, Conservative MP for Godalming & Ash, speaking from Thames Water‘s Alfold sewage pumping station, said: “I’ve just been speaking to three local residents about a big leak that happened on Sunday, (January 12) absolutely disgusting.

“They had sewage coming right up to their front doors, they’ve got sandbags now to stop it, and it was like a river.”

One of the residents in the video, a Conservative county councillor for Waverley Eastern Villages, Kevin Deanus, is seen as saying they were fortunate to have Wellingtons but that they “couldn’t get to the front door without walking all the way through it and that that is totally unacceptable and Thames Water actually should be ashamed of themselves.”

Another is shown saying “the sewage was coming up to my front door and again there was no care from Thames Water whatsoever”.

According to the video it was now the second time in a month “that people have had to barricade their houses”.

Mr Hunt said: “I’ve already been in touch with the chief executive of Thames Water but this is just not acceptable for this to be going on.

“It’s been happening for years now and Thames Water really have to put a stop to it.”

Water and sewerage companies manage the risks of flooding from burst water mains, foul and combined sewer systems with councils responsible for flood risk management.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We are sorry to those who have experienced external flooding in Alfold and we recognise how difficult this can be for our customers.

“The high groundwater levels, caused our sewer system to overload, resulting in diluted wastewater to escape from manholes.

“We have made plans to re-line our pipes located behind Clappers Orchard, to prevent groundwater from infiltrating the sewers.

“We will also inspect the amount of surface water coming from a private pumping station in the village, and continue to investigate the wider network to understand the mechanisms of flooding in this area.

“Flood management requires a multi-agency approach, and we work closely with the various organisations that have different responsibilities. We will also be updating the local MP on our plans and progress later on this week. ”