A brown substance collecting at the edge of a creek following last week’s torrential rain has sparked concerns that it may be sewage.

This photo of the mysterious matter has been met with speculation, with theories floated that it may be an algal bloom, sewage or silt.

Faversham Creek Trust (FCT) has been working towards improvements in water quality in the creek since the group was formed in 2011, and wants answers as to what this substance is.

Member Griselda Mussett said: “It seems that each year, after periods of heavy rainfall, some sort of scum or other flotations are visible on the water and no one really knows what it is or what’s caused it.

"We would like to know. We realise there are many old drains and even sewers which may feed into the Creek, without the benefit of treatment, so this is never going to be easy to manage.”

It has yet to be confirmed whether the brown matter in the water is sewage. Southern Water officials say they have not yet identified any issues in the area.

A spokesman said: “We have sent contractors to the area to investigate. It could be something called an algal bloom. But at this stage it cannot be confirmed.”

The Environment Agency has confirmed that it will be carrying out tests over the next few days.

Sue Akhurst, chairman of FCT, says sewage being released in the water has been an issue in the past and poses a real problem for staging activities.

She said: “I asked questions about sewage being discharged into the Creek at the town council meeting in December, at which Southern Water and South Eastern Water made presentations.

“My questions covered various means by which sewage is discharged into the Creek, including via the combined sewage outlets, during exceptional tides when the sewage is released into the Creek, from houseboats including at Standard Quay and by leaking pipes.

“We take the problem of sewage and foul water in the Creek very seriously, especially when we organise rowing lessons for school children and other opportunities to enjoy the Creek.”

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