An expert from The University of Manchester has contributed to the ‘River Rescue Kit’, a groundbreaking online resource designed to empower communities to take action against the growing crisis of river sewage pollution.
The kit helps communities fight back against sewage pollution
The kit – which provides expert guidance on how ordinary people can help to protect local waterways – has been launched by campaigning organisation River Action.
In a video filmed for the resource at the River Irk in Greater Manchester, Professor Jamie Woodward – who has been lauded for his pioneering research into river pollution – highlighted the devastating extent of sewage contamination in the region’s rivers, which he describes as often being ‘little better than open sewers.’ The video underscores the urgency of the problem and the critical role that local communities play in driving change.
In the clip, his analysis reveals how these pollutants degrade ecosystems, harm wildlife and pose serious risks to public health. He emphasises that while scientific research can expose the scale of the problem, real progress comes when communities unite and campaign for action.
Professor Woodward said:
The state of our rivers is a national scandal, and Greater Manchester is no exception.
We need people on the ground to push for change – the River Rescue Kit provides the tools they need to do that effectively.
Water quality monitoring and other steps are explained
The River Rescue Kit is designed to support individuals and grassroots organisations in holding polluters and policymakers accountable. It offers guidance on gathering water quality data, lobbying decision-makers and raising public awareness.
Professor Woodward highlights the impact of groups like Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP), whose campaigning efforts have brought national attention to the issue and helped shift public and political discourse. “Community activism works,” he said. “We need more people to step up, challenge the status quo, and demand urgent action to clean up our rivers.”
River Action and Professor Woodward urge the public to engage with the River Rescue Kit and join the fight against river pollution. By equipping communities with specialist knowledge and tools, this initiative aims to drive meaningful change and restore the UK’s rivers to health.
For more information and to access the River Rescue Kit, visit kit.riveractionuk.com/river-rescue-kit.
