Updated: Monday 24 February 2025 at 7.15pm
A spokesperson for Merton Council said: “Most of the River Wandle is now clear of free-flowing diesel oil, with the recent rain helping flush out pollutants.
“The Environment Agency (EA) – the lead agency dealing with the incident – continues to work with contractors to clean up residual oil in the water system, with small patches of iridescence (rainbow colours) from the oil still visible on the water.
“The EA, RSPB and National Trust continue to monitor effects on wildlife. Wildfowl are now back in the water and fish remain unaffected. The EA does not believe there will be a long-term ecological impact.
“The EA will carry out inspections to ensure the clean-up is effective, but it expects to wind down intervention in the next couple of days.
“Advice to residents from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is that low levels of diluted diesel in the water are unlikely to cause any (health) symptoms.
“If you are concerned that odours are impacting your health, you should visit your GP or call NHS 111. More information is available here.
“Residents should keep pets out of the water for the time being – as a precautionary measure.
“Investigations into the spill are still ongoing.”
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A spokesperson for Merton Council said: “The Environment Agency (EA) – leading the response to the oil spill affecting the River Wandle – continues to work with Thames Water to clean the water system and to also capture oil before it makes further progress in the river.
“The EA, RSPB and National Trust are monitoring effects on wildlife, including a small number of wildfowl which have been contaminated. Fish have been so far unaffected.
“Residents are reminded to keep away from the contamination and to prevent pets entering the water.
“Investigations into the spill are ongoing.”
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A spokesperson for Merton Council said: “The council is aware of a diesel spill from Croydon that has polluted parts of the River Wandle – particularly in Watermeads Nature Reserve, Mitcham – with some wildlife covered in oil.
“The Environment Agency (EA) is onsite leading a multiagency response, of which we are a part.
“The London Fire Brigade has been attempting to contain the spill and Thames Water is working on cleaning efforts.
“The public is advised not to touch the water, nor allow pets into the water.
“In addition, residents should not feed wildlife in the waterway as that will encourage them to ingest contamination.
“An investigation will be led by the EA.
“The council will provide an update when it has more information.”