HUMAN waste is being pumped across farmland and into surface drainage in Tarvin.
Residents have become aware of an increasingly foul stench in parts of the village, while farmers have been shocked by the problem.
United Utilities confirmed that a faulty connection has caused waste water to be pumped straight from the homes of a new housing development into an open ditch.
The ditch carries water to Milton Brook, which is a tributary of the River Gowy, but the Environment Agency claims risk levels to wildlife, livestock and humans are low.
Farmer David Blockley, of Church Farm, off Tarporley Road, said the problem was worsening as more people moved into recently built homes nearby.
“It’s horrendous and it is getting worse,” he said.
“There is not going to be a quick fix either because of the position of all the pipes.
“The sewage is running through our ditch, which is a quarter of a mile long. It is quite annoying. I don’t know if there is going to be any offer of compensation.”
Human waste is being mixed with a discharge of household waste such as water from washing machines and has been seen by local residents, who raised the issue at this week’s Tarvin Parish Council meeting.
The Environment Agency does not believe wildlife will be harmed but it is prepared to stop the flow of waste further along the watercourse in the event of a deluge.
A spokeswoman said: “We understand the concerns of the public in Tarvin and we are monitoring the water to assess the impact on the environment.
“We are working to ensure that any further pollutions are stopped and current issues are rectified. Once the investigation is complete we will see what enforcement action can be taken.”
