At Natural Spa Supplies, our passion for protecting the environment goes hand in hand with our natural products. This spring, we took part in the inspiring WaterBlitz by Earthwatch Europe. Some of our eco-conscious customers, to assess the health of local rivers and streams. Driven by our belief that we are all guardians of nature, we’ve long encouraged our community to engage in initiatives like citizen science, often sharing such projects in our monthly newsletters. Yet, this water test experience turned out to be both shocking and eye-opening. 
During one of our tests, we encountered what appeared to be severe sewage pollution, rendering the waterway lifeless—devoid of aquatic life. While this discovery alone was deeply troubling, it’s what unfolded next that truly laid bare the broader systemic challenges. Before diving into those revelations, let me first share how our journey began, testing this watercourse and uncovering these critical issues.
The Water Blitz initiative helps Citizen Scientists to test local watercourses for signs of pollution, using nitrate and phosphate test kits provided by them. We re asked to make any observations of the water and any aquatic wildlife and to report everything on their app, also available in a browser. Inspired by the project, I also encouraged my customers to sign up through one of our eco newsletters.
Water Testing for Water Blitz
The test kits arrived promptly—one for me and one for my husband. Fortunately, he had read the instructions thoroughly, and email reminders ensured we were ready to take and report the test results during the designated weekend in April.
We decided to test one of our favourite watercourses, Dale Beck, which flows through our village of Weybread. This tributary originates from three points—Fressingfield, Stradbroke, and Wingfield—and runs northwards through Weybread as a single stream before emptying into the River Waveney.
Our first test point was on a bridge known locally as New Bridge, just upstream from the Weybread Water Treatment Plant (the sewage works). Following the footpath through meadows, we reached a second bridge behind Instead Hall Farm for our second test, approximately ¾ mile downstream from the first point and the sewage works.
The results were striking. While the upstream test results showed notable levels of nitrates and phosphates, downstream levels were alarmingly higher. Observing the stream, we saw algal blooms, clusters of brown fibres floating in the water, and a grayish-brown amorphous sediment coating the streambed—indicators we suspected were linked to sewage pollution rather than livestock runoff, as fencing kept livestock away from the water.
Follow Up Actions
- Concerned, I called Anglian Water to report the findings. To their credit, they acted quickly, sending a pollution test team to the site. While commendable, their tests only measured ammonia levels, which were deemed acceptable. However, I felt their analysis lacked depth, as they hadn’t tested for nitrates or phosphates—critical indicators of sewage or fertilizer runoff. Walking upstream with the team, I pointed out where the flow diminished and algal blooms proliferated, suggesting dredging might help improve the stream’s condition. While the team seemed unconcerned—stating the water clarity allowed visibility of the bottom—I urged them to reconsider, highlighting the sludge-covered streambed, devoid of stones and vegetation.
This encounter revealed shortcomings in both the pollution team’s testing methods and their ecological expertise.
- I put a post on my social media and shared it to some organisations that I thought might like to know and I have had engagement with several local groups.
- Next, I contacted the Environment Agency to discuss the state of the tributary, asking when dredging was planned, when it was last done, and why the stream had been allowed to reach such a degraded condition. I also voiced concerns about improving the pollution team’s training and testing procedures. Ultimately I may need to do some data requests.
- I need to get back to Anglian Water and find out why their testing is so limited and why they do not make a note of environmental observations, such as the presence or absence of wildlife, types of algal formation, the presence of sludge, lack of flow. Who sets their test standards?
- My plan is to give time for the Environment Agency to respond and then to compile a summery to send to my Green MP, Adrian Ramsay and another MP, Terry Jermy who is not part of my constituency, but who does seem interested in protecting the countryside too.
As guardians of nature, we all have a role to play in addressing pollution—from sewage and farming to everyday household practices. For example, detergents such as washing powder, dishwasher tablets, fabric conditioners, and shower gels contain phosphates and harmful compounds like fragrances, artificial whiteners, and bleaches. Some of these are classified as “forever chemicals,” which persist in the environment and cause lasting harm.
Switching to simple, biodegradable eco products can significantly reduce our environmental impact. Here are some plastic-free alternatives to consider:
- For laundry: Our British Chestnut and Marshmallow Laundry 2-in-1. Our very popular new laundry 2-in-1 is made with wild gathered British chestnuts and Marshmallow Root. It has a duel action cleaning power - due to the saponins in the chestnuts and a wonderful softening and light fragrance from the marshmallow.
- For washing up: Organic Soapnuts: We advocate washing up without rubber gloves with our tree based soapnuts. Made easily into cleaning solution, try it on glass and all things shiny.
- For dishwasher use: Organic Soapnuts and Citric Acid. Using this combination is the most eco way to use your dish washer and it leaves the dishes film free.
- For hair and skin washing: Rhassoul Clay - I never fail to be impressed with this clay and it is the reason that i started my plastic free eco business way back in 2007.
- For antimicrobial soap: Our British Hemp Oil Soap. The standard in eco hand hygiene with exceptional demand through the lockdown, is not just for hand washing but can be used for the more difficult cleaning tasks such as the hob and roasting pans.
These products are especially suitable for homes with septic tanks, greywater systems, or reed beds, but are equally beneficial for those of us on mains drainage who want to protect our streams and rivers.
To explore these eco-friendly alternatives and learn more about how we can help the environment, visit our website and sign up for our eco newsletter. Together, we can make a difference for nature!