The legal action brought by 4,500 people living and working near the rivers is said to be the largest pollution case ever brought in the UK in terms of both number of claimants and area affected
Dwr Cymru is facing accusations of polluting the rivers Wye, Lugg and Usk, alongside chicken farm giant Avara Foods.(Image: PA)
One of the UK’s largest chicken producers along with Dwr Cymru were set to appear at the High Court on Monday, April 27, facing accusations of polluting the rivers Wye, Lugg and Usk.
More than 4,500 residents and workers from communities along the Welsh-English border have joined the legal action, which is being described as a landmark environmental case against Avara Foods and Dwr Cymru. Lawyers representing the group say it is the largest pollution case ever brought in the UK in terms of both the number of claimants and the area affected.
Avara Foods, a dominant force in local chicken farming, and Welsh Water have rejected the allegations, describing them as “misconceived” and “misguided.” For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
The River Wye, one of the UK’s longest waterways, has seen a noticeable decline in recent years. Locals report that during the summer months it often turns green and develops an unpleasant smell and slimy texture.
The claim argues that pollution has been caused by the spreading of chicken manure on farmland, as well as sewage discharges. It calls for measures to restore the rivers and seeks compensation for those whose livelihoods and quality of life have been affected.
The case was due to begin with a procedural hearing at the High Court in London, attended by lead claimant Justine Evans.
She claimed the condition of the river had deteriorated significantly, describing it as a “systemic failure” that has left legal action as the only viable option.
Campaigners have long raised concerns about the rapid growth of industrial poultry farming in the Wye catchment, where around 24 million chickens – roughly a quarter of the UK’s total – are reared, often in large-scale facilities.
Until recently, manure from these farms was commonly used as fertiliser on nearby fields. The legal claim alleges that nutrients from this waste frequently wash into rivers, increasing levels of phosphorus, nitrogen and bacteria. In warmer conditions, this can trigger algal blooms, turning the water green.
In 2023, Natural England classified the River Wye as being in “unfavourable – declining” condition.
A subsequent action plan in 2024 pointed to agricultural runoff, wastewater discharges and climate change as key factors, with rising temperatures and reduced river flows worsening the problem.
The case is being brought by law firm Leigh Day on a no-win, no-fee basis.
While farmers applied the manure, the claim argues that Avara Foods and its subsidiary should be held accountable due to their role in expanding poultry production and controlling the supply chain.
The companies face allegations including negligence, public and private nuisance, and, in some cases, trespass where pollution has affected privately owned riverbeds.
In response, Avara Foods maintains that the claims lack scientific support and emphasises that river health is influenced by multiple factors.
Welsh Water has highlighted its investment of £76 million between 2020 and 2025 to reduce nutrient pollution in the rivers, with plans to spend a further £87 million by 2030.
A Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water spokesperson said: “Protecting and improving the environment, including river water quality, remains a top priority for the company.
“Our work to improve river water quality is guided by data and assessments from our environmental regulators National Resources Wales and the Environment Agency.
“Between 2020-2025 we invested more than £76m on reducing nutrient levels to improve water quality on the Wye, Lugg and Usk rivers. Ofwat have allocated us a further £87m to invest between 2025-2030 to continue this important work.
“We believe this case is misguided and risks diverting time and resources away from the shared goal of improving river water quality.
“Any financial penalties would directly reduce the funding available to invest in essential services and deliver the environmental improvements our customers expect.
“Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water doesn’t have shareholders and pays no dividends.
“The revenue we receive from customer bills is our sole source of funding for maintaining services and upgrading our infrastructure.
“Without profit-driven pressures, any financial surpluses are reinvested for the benefit of our customers, to improve services, support vulnerable households and address environmental challenges.”
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