Major operation underway as convoy of tanker trucks help clear sewage leak

More than a dozen large tankers have parked near the Tawny Owl pub to repair the broken main leaking filth into the River Ray.

The pollution should not affect drinking or toilet water in nearby homes - but it is harming the river's wildlife.

On Monday morning, one lane of Thamesdown Drive near the Mouldon Hill Country Park junction was closed so that three Thames Water vehicles could attend part of the polluted area while workers cordoned off part of the grassland.

Thames Water workers at Mouldon Hill

Across the road, at the Tawny Owl turning, 10 more tankers parked on the verge along Thamesdown Drive and three others stopped in the pub's car park, part of which had been cordoned off.

The Tawny Owl car park

A pipe from one of the tankers could be seen plugged into the earth, removing waste water while workers in helmets and orange high-viz uniforms discussed their next steps.

Part of the pub’s car park has been cordoned off

The path along the river is still accessible and there is a pungent odour wafting in the air where the path leads under the busy main road.

Work carried out near the River Ray’s public footpath

On the other side of this stream, three more Thames Water tankers are parked on Queen Elizabeth Drive and piping up wastewater.

More Thames Water trucks and staff on Queen Elizabeth Drive

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “Our specialist teams are currently working hard to fix a burst on a rising main near Hayden End Sewer Pumping station.

"This is a complex repair and we expect to complete the work by the end of Wednesday.

"When the burst occurred, wastewater escaped into the River Ray.

"We, along with the Environment Agency, are monitoring the river’s water quality closely and have put in place steps to help the river recover, including aerating the river.

“We have deployed a significant number of tankers in the area. They are connecting to our sewer network and removing wastewater. This allows us to access the broken pipe safely and protects local homes from flooding. 

"We apologise if the tankers are causing any disruption to local residents, and we have customer teams in the area speaking to customers about our work to repair the pipe.

"When the repair is completed, the tankers will no longer be required but we will remain on site to reinstate the area.

"Our work will not affect our drinking water and wastewater services, customers will be able to use water and flush toilets as normal.”