Young farmer's watercress business crippled by sewage spill

Calvin Hooper, 27, who has only recently entered the industry, said the Southern Water spill, contaminated 55 per cent of his watercress farm, Annavale Watercress, in Anna Valley, making it impossible for him to sell his produce for the last nine months.

“This was my baby,” said Mr Hooper. "I'm the first new entrant into the industry in a long time, as it's mainly big companies that grow watercress, not individuals. I worked for a previous company, doing watercress, and I took on a tenancy to do it slightly differently to become a traditional grower. But everything is gone now.”

READ MORE: Hampshire residents face near-50 per cent hike in water bills

Calvin Hooper (Image: Newsquest) The site, which is capable of producing three tonnes of watercress per week, was crippled after a main sewer pipe burst nearby, making it unusable due to unacceptable levels of E Coli and Listeria.

“The main sewer burst half a mile away from the farm, and it ran down the hill into the watercress beds. They’re connected to the river, and it all backed up into 55 per cent of the area,” Mr Hooper said.

The contamination caused by raw sewage left environmental health authorities unable to certify the farm, effectively shutting down his business.

Mr Hooper claimed Southern Water has yet to take full responsibility despite being aware of the spill on the day it happened.

“Southern Water are not showing any remorse or intention of cleaning the spill up for the watercress beds," he said.

The young farmer is now facing the potential loss of his home due to mounting bills.

“I'm distraught and devastated that I've worked so hard my whole life to get a farm tenancy, and they don’t come about very often,” he said.

“It’s such a niche product, and I’ve basically lost everything overnight. I could lose my house over it. That’s how scary it is.”

Mr Hooper, who lives near Finkley Down Farm in Andover, said he would have sought legal action, but admitted that financial constraints make it difficult for him to fight a lengthy legal battle.

“I simply can’t afford to as a new business, with all of my business lost. They know that I haven’t got any money to spend on fighting it legally,” he said.

The spill has not only had a devastating impact on Mr Hooper’s finances but has also taken a toll on his mental health.

“I’ve written some letters to Southern Water explaining how it’s affecting me mentally and financially, but they’re not interested. It’s absolutely ridiculous that we’re nine months down the line, and nothing has been done.”

Calvin Hooper's watercress bed (Image: Newsquest)

SEE ALSO: Two arrested after report of assault in Andover High Street

But Mr Hooper remains hopeful as he is still getting support from the community and local farmers.

“People love bunch watercress, and they’ve been really supportive of me. I just hope that Southern Water takes responsibility before it's too late.”

Water companies have faced growing criticism over their handling of wastewater and environmental issues in the region.

A spokesperson for Southern Water, said: “We are very sorry for the impact caused to this business, following a nearby burst sewer pipe in November 2023. Our team responded quickly at the time to locate and fix the problem, while working to minimise the effects on the local environment. 
 
“We have been in regular contact with the premises owner, providing compensation, and working with the Environment Agency to conduct a clean-up of the area and help to reinstate the watercress beds.   
 
“In an effort to improve the resilience of the sewer network in this area since this burst, we have installed new pressure monitors and pump technology, as well as re-lined the stretch of pipe which failed.”