AN investigation has been launched by the Environment Agency into 'suspected water pollution' in a stream running through an Oxfordshire town.
The Environment Agency has confirmed it is investigating the water contamination in the stream under the bridge at Willow Meadows in Carterton.
The contaminated water was reported to the Environment Agency on Wednesday (August 28) afternoon.
Carterton Town Council posted a statement on its Facebook page, which read: "Our thanks to the resident who reported the water contamination at Willow Meadows under the bridge by the camp perimeter this afternoon.
"It was flagged to the Environmental Agency at 4.10pm."
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It is understood the outfall was not a sewage related incident and that Thames Water network engineers attended the location on Sunday, August 25.
It is also understood that the discoloured water is due to the rain washing mud and dirt into surface water pipes from a nearby building site.
The Environment Agency confirmed officers are attending the site to make inspections and to assess any potential harm to the environment.
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A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “Following reports received, we are currently investigating suspected water pollution at Willow Meadows, Carterton.
“Our officers are attending the site to inspect the watercourse and assess any potential harm to the environment.
“Members of the public can report pollution incidents to us on our free 24-hour Incident Hotline 0800 807060.”
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Resident Lorraine Eke lives on the edge of the meadows and said her dog enjoys paddling in the stream.
She described the water as 'disgusting'.
In response to the contamination, Ms Eke told the Oxford Mail: "It's my favourite dog walk as I live on the edge of the meadows, my dogs love going in for a paddle, especially on days like today but I have to keep them out or take them somewhere else."
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She added that the stream is a major source for wildlife.
"Not to mention that the stream is a major water source for the abundance of wildlife that live in the meadows," she said.
"There is another previous photo taken by someone else a few weeks ago where it was flowing white, looking very nasty indeed."
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