Water Quality is in Crisis – Join the Chester Paddle Out Protest This Saturday
Helen Tandy, Eco Communities & Chester Rep for Surfers Against Sewage
In 2024, water companies in England recorded 2,487 pollution incidents—more than double the target set by the Environment Agency. This marks the highest number in over a decade, despite repeated promises to clean up their act.
The water industry pledged to reduce pollution by 40%. Instead, we’ve seen a 30% increase. Our rivers and oceans are in crisis.
Closer to home, the River Dee is widely used for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and family recreation—but until a river is officially designated as a bathing water, there is no legal requirement to monitor its safety for human contact.
That’s why Surfers Against Sewage is organising a nationwide Paddle Out Protest this Saturday—and Chester is taking part.
Chester local Adam Caris, a regular user of the River Dee, reached out to Surfers Against Sewage to ensure Chester joined the UK-wide protest:
“As a keen swimmer, canoer and kayaker, I love spending time in and around the Dee and gain massively in terms of my physical and mental health—as do countless others. The river needs as many friends and supporters as it can get. Let’s get out there and show how much we care about clean and healthy environments for local people, nature and future generations.”
Join the Paddle Out Protest
📍 Sandy Lane Water Park, Chester
🗓 Saturday 17th May
🕝 2:30 PM
The protest is a peaceful demonstration calling for an end to sewage discharges into UK rivers and seas by 2030.
Chester’s bid for bathing water status was rejected last year due to insufficient casual bather numbers, despite significant local use.
Dianne Parish, from Chester Frosty and the Clean Dee Campaign, highlights this issue:
“Thousands of people come into contact with River Dee water every year—not just swimmers. Rowers, sailors, kayakers, paddleboarders, anglers, triathletes, children, and even carnival float participants all use the river. Yet, current criteria only count non-event swimmers. All river users need protection.”
With new rules expected soon to allow all river users to be counted—not just swimmers—campaigners are calling on the community to turn out, keep the momentum going, and help make the River Dee a safe, protected space for all. See more CLICK LINK