Residents in Brentford have expressed concerns regarding sewage entering the local canal network, following the discovery of dead animals throughout the summer. The animals, including foxes, ducks, and a cat, were primarily found in the Brentford Lock basin, where the Grand Union Canal meets the River Thames.
Paul Keane, general manager of Brentford Community Boathouse, stated that the issue was exacerbated by the summer's heat, leading to stagnant water. He noted that the animals were predominantly found with E. coli and botulism, with the most stagnant stretch identified around the locks near Boston Manor Park.
Keane attributed the problem, at least in part, to misconnections where plumbing from housing developments is incorrectly linked to surface water drains instead of sewers, directing untreated waste into waterways. Hounslow councillor Katherine Dunne mentioned that officers in Ealing and Brent are investigating misconnections through a River Brent catchment group.
The Canal and River Trust stated its aim to remove dead animals promptly, adding that aquatic weed has been an issue due to both of its west London weed clearance boats being out of action. Thames Water acknowledged known misconnection issues in the area and is working with property owners and councils, while the Environment Agency continues to investigate pollution reports.