A photograph posted on a public Facebook group for Kendal asked why the River Kent appeared to have sewage discharge in it.
The water in the River Kent appeared to be noticeably darker – presenting a thick, muddy brown look.
However the Environment Agency has been quick to shut down such fears of sewage discharge in the waterway.
In a statement issued to The Westmorland Gazette, an Environment Agency spokesperson said the change in the river’s colour was due to work being undertaken by the public body at Gooseholme.
The spokesperson said: “The Environment Agency is carrying out in-river works at Gooseholme, Kendal.
“This includes gravel removal, which is generating silt, a natural process, which can be seen in the river.
“The process is being monitored on site by our independent ecological expert, and if the amount of silt becomes excessive, work will be paused until it dissipates.”
Work such as this can only be undertaken in the months of July to the end of September.
This is to safeguard protective species and the ecological health of the river.
As the River Kent is home to protected species, including white-clawed crayfish and bullheads, as well as otters, kingfishers and Atlantic salmon, the waterway is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
It is understood that the work being undertaken by the Environment Agency is part of the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme.
The Kendal Flood Risk Management scheme is a multi-million-pound government-funded project that aims to protect more than 4,000 homes and businesses in the Kendal and Upper Kent area.
The flood scheme was launched in response to the devastating damage Storm Desmond caused to Kendal in 2015 – but some people have been critical of the flood scheme’s speed of work since it began.
In March, the flood scheme officially opened the Waterside defences in a special ceremony that involved dignitaries such as the town mayor and the leader of Westmorland and Furness Council.
