We met with Mohammad Yasin MP (Labour) at the water’s edge of the Embankment to share our deep concerns with him about the quality of the River Great Ouse and the ongoing spillages into the river.
We showed him our testing methods and explained the work we have been doing for the past 4 years to test and inform both the public and Councils, Anglian Water, and the Environment Agency (EA) of our repeated tests showing extreme contamination of the river.
Mohammed was fully engaged and agreed to answer questions that we would also like to put to the Secretary of State and Anglian Water.
Below is a summary of his answers to our points, and a full transcript is on our website beds.govet.org.
Self-monitoring by water companies and misleading information given to the EA
- The current system has damaged public trust by allowing companies to “mark their own homework.”
- Anglian Water “Dry Day” spill revelations highlight lack of independent oversight
- Supports stronger, independent regulation with:
- No-notice inspections
- Real-time transparent data collected by the Environment Agency
- Tougher penalties and criminal sanctions for misleading regulators
- Backs replacing Ofwat with a more powerful, integrated regulator
Thames Water wants dispensation on spilling until new infrastructure is in place in around 2030. Are they going to be given special permission?
- Strongly opposes any waiver allowing continued pollution until 2030
- Warns against “rewarding failure” after years of poor performance
- Signed cross-party MP open letter opposing regulatory concessions
- A Special Administration deal being considered for Thames Water must include:
- Legally binding investment commitments
- Clear environmental targets
- Full accountability
- Open to Special Administration to enforce reform and oversight
Environment Agency and lack of E.coli monitoring
- Current laws restrict monitoring to designated bathing sites only and the River Great Ouse has no such formal bathing sites designated, we at BedsGOVET feel that E.coli testing should not be aligned with bathing sites only due to the danger of E.Coli to public health.
- Mohammad believes this “gap” leaves frequently used rivers like the Great Ouse unprotected
He calls for:
- Expanded monitoring powers beyond official bathing waters
- Routine E. coli testing to provide public information
- Greater transparency for public health
- Praises local citizen science groups like BedsGOVET and urges closer collaboration
Grafham Water rising nitrate concerns and action needed for the at-risk water supply.
- A top priority that calls for urgent action, including:
- Catchment management improvements
- Investment in treatment and storage
- Reducing agricultural runoff
- Regular transparent reporting to residents
- Committed to pressing Anglian Water and regulators for clear plans
Flooding and river infrastructure
- Supports continued investment in flood defences and river management
- Highlights the importance of:
- Sluice gates, embankments and infrastructure upgrades
- Preparing for increased extreme weather due to climate change
- Advocates long-term national priority for flood resilience
Wider reforms and public trust
- Backs the Government’s ongoing plans to:
- Halve sewage pollution by 2030
- Introduce stronger penalties and oversight
- Stop excessive executive bonuses
- Acknowledges public confidence in water companies remains low
- Says rebuilding trust requires real enforcement and visible improvements
Community and political engagement
- Credits campaigners and public pressure for driving national action
- Has engaged with environmental groups and regulators on sewage issues
- Emphasises the need for local voices to shape reforms
Next steps
- Plans to formally question Anglian Water on:
- Nitrate mitigation
- Infrastructure investment
- Monitoring transparency
- Flood resilience and river management
We would like to thank Mohammad Yasmin MP for his commitment to assisting us with our mission to clean up the River Great Ouse for the good of the whole community.
It is a difficult task and one that feels like an uphill struggle. We will share with you any outcomes from the letter in our later columns.
By Inga Wells. Executive MBA, PG Dip DMS.
The Bedford Independent is proud to support BedsGOVET in their
vital work to monitor water quality in the River Great Ouse
and provide them with space for a column as
part of their Don’t Lose the Ouse campaign.
