What to do when something doesn't look right 

If you see something in the watercourse that you are concerned about &

1) cannot see an obvious source report it to the Environment Agency
on their environmental incident hotline 0800 80 70 60

2) can see an obvious cause that is not from the sewer report it to the EA 

on their environmental incident hotline 0800 80 70 60

3) can see an obvious cause that is from the sewer report it to Southern Water
get a reference number and then report it to the EA
on their environmental incident hotline 0800 80 70 60 quoting the SW reference number.

If you are reporting to SW then make sure your report incudes the word "Groundwater". This will trigger the SW Support Desk to inform the 'in catchment' team so they can investigate immediately.

If you see something away from the watercourse that you are concerned about & 

1) cannot see an obvious source report it to the EA
on their environmental incident hotline 0800 80 70 60

2) can see an obvious cause that is from the sewer report it to SW
get a reference number and then report it to the EA
on their environmental incident hotline 0800 80 70 60 quoting the SW reference number.

Remember to always get a reference number, provide photos if you can and make sure you ask to be informed when the incident has been resolved. 

If the agency you report to does not get back in touch with you within the timeframe they give you then do feel free to chase them but also email pillhillbrook@gmail.com and the PBA can escalate this too the Pillhill Pan Parish Forum.

Links recommended by the Environment Agency:

Wessex River Trust - Looking after your garden riverbank

The Angling Trust - The Chalk Stream Habitat Manual

There are also a number of reference documents to be found here:

Wild Trout Trust - Habitat Restoration library