The Environment Agency has been made aware of the “extremely high” levels of pollution after samples were recently taken in Haughley, where the Haughley Watercourse is a major tributary of the River Gipping.
This is likely to be causing a lot of habitat stress for fish and local animals who rely on the river for water.
The River Gipping starts near Mendlesham Green and turns into the River Orwell at Stoke Bridge in Ipswich.
READ MORE: Suffolk river pollution probe finds permit breaches and sparks action
A post from The River Gipping Trust on social media reads: “Water test samples from Fishponds at Haughley are indicating extremely high levels of pollution in the river.
“Our highest-ever recorded phosphate and Ammonia levels (14,200 ppb and 4.06ppm) with high e.coli levels of 22,000 cfu/100ml and Nitrate levels of 60ppm.
“All reported to the Environment Agency.”
Phosphate acts as a fertiliser in rivers and can cause algal blooms, oxygen depletion and harm to aquatic life.
Elevated ammonia is often associated with sewage discharges, animal waste or decaying organic matter.
The level of E. coli suggests the water may contain sewage or animal waste and could pose a health risk.