Last month, Eco Communities joined forces with the Clean Dee Campaign to count bathers along the River Dee at Sandy Lane. The results were really promising – but simply counting swimmers isn’t enough to secure Bathing Water Status for our river in Chester. Much more needs to come together.
After all, who doesn’t want clean water in the River Dee? No one thinks it’s acceptable for water companies to keep pumping sewage into our rivers and oceans – and we certainly don’t want it here in Chester.
A few weeks ago, Alison, Rob and I spent an hour counting swimmers (and Alison and I even braved a swim ourselves to help the numbers!). But the real work now is encouraging more people to act.
Clean Dee Campaign
Have You Completed the Public Consultation?
This is one of the most important steps you can take. Please, please complete it before 29th September: . LINK
The Clean Dee team will also be out talking to residents at local events:
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13th September – Town Hall Square
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21st September – Chester Groves
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27th September – Chester New Market, Exchange Square
Want to help out? Let us know and we’ll connect you with Dianne.
Dip a Day in October 🌊
This year brings the biggest opportunity for change in the water sector in over 30 years. The Independent Water Commission has just released its final report – the most significant review of the industry since privatisation. This moment – a national reckoning with a broken, polluting water system – only exists because of tireless campaigning, and because communities like ours have stood up, supported by organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), who we proudly represent here in Chester.
And it’s working. The government is finally being forced to respond to the sewage crisis.
BUT – the report still doesn’t go far enough. Yes, there are strong recommendations. But it fails to address the root cause: a profit-driven system that puts shareholder pay-outs before public health and the environment. The numbers speak for themselves: in 2024, water companies paid £1.2 billion to shareholders while dumping sewage 592,478 times into our rivers and seas. 😡 That’s why we need to keep pushing – louder and stronger than ever – for real change.
So alongside supporting the Clean Dee Campaign, I’ve personally signed up (slightly nervously!) to the Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) Dip a Day in October Challenge. My t-shirt and swim hat have arrived… but with the colder weather setting in, I’ll definitely need some moral support.
I’d love some of you to join me – whether that’s a swim in the Dee or even just a cold shower on certain days. Drop me a message if you’re up for the former of course – no joint cold showers required!
What is it?
Dip a Day challenges people to dip in cold water every day throughout October to raise vital funds for SAS’s work tackling sewage pollution. You can dip anywhere safe and accessible – rivers, beaches, lidos, paddling pools, or even your shower at home.
Why Cold Water?
Cold water immersion:
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Triggers a rush of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins – giving you a natural high.
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Can strengthen the immune system.
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Has been linked to benefits for rheumatism, depression, and general wellbeing.
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Connects you to nature in a powerful way.
Why Take Part?
Our wild waters are:
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Vital for wildlife.
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Essential for our health and wellbeing.
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Places where we build community and connection.
But they’re also under threat. Decades of neglect and ongoing sewage pollution mean they desperately need our protection.
By taking part, you’ll help raise funds to:
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Call out polluters and hold water companies accountable.
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Challenge the government on sewage pollution.
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Fight plastic pollution through beach cleans.
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Deliver powerful, pupil-led education programmes.
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Empower more people to take action for our rivers and seas. Sign up here.
