A thick, white foam that blanketed the River Thet in the heart of Thetford, Norfolk, on October 18, 2025, has sparked an urgent investigation by the Environment Agency and drawn the attention of emergency services, local residents, and environmental advocates alike. The mysterious substance, which appeared early Saturday morning, prompted swift action from authorities and raised immediate concerns about the health of the river’s ecosystem and the safety of the community.
According to the Environment Agency, officers arrived on site at 9:00 a.m. BST after receiving reports of a large stretch of foam on the river. The foam, described as “thick” and “bubbling up,” was visible along a considerable portion of the waterway as it coursed through the center of Thetford. By mid-morning, the scene was bustling with activity as both the Agency and Norfolk Fire and Rescue crews—arriving around 10:20 a.m.—worked together to assess the situation and protect the public.
Images of the incident, shared by the Environment Agency on social media, captured the scale of the pollution and the urgency of the response. Officers quickly began taking samples and conducting assessments to determine the composition and source of the foam. “The foam will continue to travel down the river and be visible, we have detected the source and prevented further discharge,” the Agency announced on X (formerly Twitter), providing some reassurance that the immediate threat had been contained.
But the day’s drama was far from over. As the foam continued its journey downstream, the Agency’s fisheries officers were dispatched to monitor the impact on aquatic life. “We would appreciate members of the public reporting any fish in distress,” a spokesperson urged, providing a hotline number (0800 80 70 60) for concerned citizens to call. The warning was not without cause—passersby reported seeing several dead fish in the water, a grim sign of the pollution’s toll on the river’s fragile ecosystem.
Norfolk Fire and Rescue, for their part, issued a clear directive: people should steer clear of the water and keep their pets away as well. “A warning was issued to people not to try to enter the water, and to make sure that dogs did not attempt to drink or go swimming in the rivers,” reported local media. Fire crews, including an environmental protection unit from Sprowston, remained at the scene until 1:45 p.m., working alongside the Environment Agency to ensure public safety and support the ongoing investigation.
The immediate response was coordinated and thorough, but questions lingered. By 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, the Environment Agency was still on the case, continuing to collect samples and analyze the foam’s makeup. A spokesman indicated that a “second plume” of foam was expected, suggesting that the incident might not be fully resolved. The scale of the event and the potential for further pollution kept residents and authorities on high alert.
In the midst of the investigation, Anglian Water—a major regional water utility—sought to clarify its role. In a statement, an Anglian Water spokeswoman confirmed that their checks had determined the foam was “caused by a third-party” and not by any of the company’s equipment or assets in the area. “One of our managers is on site helping the Environment Agency with their checks which will then go back to the third party responsible,” she added, distancing the company from the incident while pledging to assist in the search for accountability.
While the source of the foam had been detected and further discharge stopped by the time of the Agency’s public update, the environmental impact was already evident. The sight of dead fish, the persistent white froth moving through the river, and the disruption to local wildlife all pointed to the seriousness of the pollution event. The Agency’s fisheries officers remained vigilant, monitoring for additional signs of distress among aquatic species and urging the public to remain engaged by reporting any further incidents.
For Thetford residents, the episode was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of local waterways to accidental—or potentially negligent—pollution. The River Thet, which meanders through the town and provides habitat for fish and other wildlife, is a cherished natural resource. News of the foam prompted concern not only for the immediate safety of people and pets but also for the longer-term health of the river and its inhabitants.
Environmental incidents like this one highlight the complex web of responsibilities that surround the management of public waterways. The rapid response by the Environment Agency and Norfolk Fire and Rescue underscores the importance of preparedness and coordination among agencies. Yet, the identification of a third-party source of pollution also raises questions about oversight, regulation, and the mechanisms in place to prevent such events from occurring in the first place.
The Agency’s transparent communication—sharing updates and images on social media, issuing public warnings, and soliciting help from the community—helped keep residents informed and engaged. The call for vigilance, especially regarding the welfare of fish and other river life, reflected a broader awareness of the interconnectedness of environmental health and public well-being.
As the investigation continues, attention will turn to the third party identified as the source of the foam. The Environment Agency has pledged to ensure that the responsible party is held to account, and Anglian Water’s involvement in the assessment process suggests that further details may emerge in the days ahead. For now, the river remains under close watch, and the community’s collective efforts—reporting issues, following safety advice, and supporting environmental monitoring—will be crucial in safeguarding the waterway’s recovery.
This incident on the River Thet serves as a vivid illustration of the challenges facing local environments in an era of complex industrial and agricultural activity. It’s a story of rapid response, community concern, and the ongoing work of agencies tasked with protecting the natural world. While the foam may eventually dissipate, the lessons learned—and the vigilance required—will likely linger long after the river returns to its normal state.
