Ongoing pollution identified as sewer misconnections in Kettering
Contaminated wastewater has continued to flow into the Slade Brook, a tributary of the River Nene, more than a month after the problem was first reported, residents and authorities say. Anglian Water investigators have traced the source to misconnected sewer pipes from two commercial premises in Kettering, which have been discharging wastewater into the surface water drainage system.
A strong odour has been reported along the brook that runs close to Northfield Avenue. Anglian Water has positioned a tanker operation in Meadow Road Park to remove contaminated flow and has dammed a rainwater drain to reduce further spread into local lakes and rivers.
Measures in place while work continues
Anglian Water says it is using specialist, non‑toxic dyes to trace flows through the drainage network and to confirm the misconnection points. As a precaution, contractors are moving wastewater away from the brook and into the sewage treatment system to protect the environment while responsible third parties carry out remedial work.
- Identified cause: incorrect drainage connections from two commercial premises into the surface water network.
- Immediate action: tankers deployed to remove contaminated water and a rainwater drain dammed to limit spreading.
- Investigation method: dye tracing used to monitor flows through drainage.
“Our teams are currently conducting tanker operations in the Meadow Road Park area of Kettering to assist with a third‑party misconnection to the surface water system, where wastewater has incorrectly entered the network designed to carry surface water only. As a precautionary measure, tankers are being used to help manage the situation and take away wastewater in order to protect the local environment while those responsible work to resolve the issue,” Anglian Water said in July.
Mitigation work at the scene includes tankers with a capacity of 19,000 litres (about 4,180 gallons). The hire and operation of this 24‑hour service is understood to be costing at least £1,600 a day, with contaminated water being taken to a nearby sewage works for processing.
| Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Tanker capacity | 19,000 litres |
| Reported daily cost | At least £1,600 |
| Tracing technique | Highly concentrated, non‑toxic dye |
Local impact and next steps
Residents have reported a persistent pungent smell around Meadow Road Park and along Northfield Avenue. The brook connects into a wider system of local lakes and waterways, meaning contamination can travel beyond the immediate area if not contained.
Anglian Water has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding local watercourses and restoring environmental conditions. It says it will continue to work with the parties responsible for the misconnections and provide support to minimise disruption to the community.
At present, enforcement or remediation responsibilities lie with the owners of the commercial premises whose drainage was found to be incorrectly connected. Anglian Water’s use of dye tracing is a common investigative technique that allows teams to map where wastewater is entering surface water systems, enabling targeted repair work.
For Kettering residents, the priority is an end to the odour and visible contamination, and reassurance that local waterways and parkland are being protected. The cost and duration of the clean‑up operation will depend on how quickly rectifications are completed by those responsible and whether further misconnections are identified during the broader inspection of the local drainage network.
Local users of Meadow Road Park and nearby green spaces are advised to avoid contact with affected water while operations continue. Anglian Water has not provided a firm timetable for when normal conditions are expected to return.
