Suspected sewage leak was likely foam from algae

There were reports of pollution in the River Severn in Cressage, Shropshire

Foam spotted on a river in Shropshire was not caused by a sewage leak and was likely a natural occurrence, the Environment Agency (EA) has said.

The EA was called to investigate after one man reported seeing a “disgusting huge slick of sewage” on the Severn in Cressage, near Shrewsbury, on Friday.

Later in the day, Severn Trent Water said it was not connected to its nearby sewage works, with the EA suggesting it could be a natural occurrence.

The organisation has now confirmed there was no evidence of pollution and the foam was likely connected to algae.

An EA spokesperson said: “Occasionally, this time of year when the weather is warmer, it is not uncommon to see algal foam in rivers where the water is moving slowly.

“We believe the foaming observed that day was a natural occurrence.”

According to the EA’s website it is easy to mistake algal blooms for sewage due to its “unpleasant smell”.

Large blooms of non-toxic algae tend to form in British waters, particularly at the coast during the summer when the temperatures are warmer.

When blooms start to break down, a creamy brown foam can appear on the water’s surface and can give off the smell of eggs or vegetables, according to the EA.