Environment Agency officers give Hogsmill River, Epsom all clear after contamination fears but warn residents against pouring away pollutants

The discolouration was spotted in the Hogsmill River near the stepping stones in the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserve in Epsom, but has since dissipated.

Environment Agency officers believe white paint may have been poured down a nearby drain and seeped into the river.

Pic credit: David Devins

David Devins, 48, from nearby Meadow View, Epsom, spotted the milky water on Sunday, September 18, while walking the dog, and reported it to the government agency. He initially feared the river might have been contaminated.

Mr Devins added: “It looked to me like somebody had maybe painted a room, been lazy about it and poured paint down a drain.

“It is a beautiful space and the river just tops it off. Lots of families set up little picnics in the summer and their kids play around the stepping stones.

“But if people are going and pouring paint down drains, it is detrimental.”

Pic credit: David Devins

Environment Agency officers inspected the river the same day and found no evidence of pollution or harm to aquatic life.

A spokeswoman rom the Environment Agency said: “We believe this is a one-off pollution incident such as someone rinsing off a paint can down an outside (rainwater) drain. In this area, all rain water (surface water) drains are connected into the local rivers.

“Polluting substances like fat, paint and oil should not be poured into them and appliances or toilets should not be connected to them.

“If it happens again, we will investigate it further.”

To report any incidents of water pollution, call the free pollution hotline on 0800 80 70 60.