Why it matters: The foam was visible at multiple locations between Needham Market and Sproughton over the weekend and spread downstream into Ipswich on Monday, affecting a river used by walkers, anglers and the local community.
The details: The Environment Agency was alerted on Friday and launched an investigation. Specialist officers have been collecting water samples and working to locate the source, with testing ongoing.
Meanwhile today, Anglian Water separately announced that 100% of Suffolk's designated bathing waters achieved 'Good' or 'Excellent' ratings for the first time since three new inland bathing spots were introduced in 2023.
As a non-designated site, the River Gipping falls outside Anglian Water's bathing water monitoring obligations.
What they're saying: An Environment Agency spokesman said: "Specialist officers are investigating the cause of a large volume of white foam seen on the River Gipping at locations between Needham Market and Sproughton over the weekend. Our teams have been collecting samples and working to locate the possible source. We understand this matter is of concern to the public, but no environmental harm has been found so far."
Anyone with health concerns for themselves, their family or pets should seek medical advice.
Suspected pollution can be reported to the Environment Agency's 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807060.
For context: The River Gipping stretches approximately 17 miles from Stowmarket to Ipswich. The 19th-century navigation route is now a popular walking trail along the Gipping Valley River Path and is used for fishing.
Despite this public use, the river is not a designated bathing water site and does not receive the same monitoring as Suffolk's three inland designated sites at the River Deben Estuary, Sudbury and Manningtree, both on the River Stour. Bathing water designations are decided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The bigger picture: Anglian Water has announced it is ringfencing more than £80 million of investment to improve bathing water quality across its region between now and 2030. Since May, planning work has begun on more than £30 million of storm spill reduction schemes in Cleethorpes, Mundesley, Hunstanton and Southend, which will be completed by 2027.
Dr Robin Price, director of environment, quality and assurance for Anglian Water, said: "We know that our coast is hugely important to our customers, as well as being a vital part of our tourism economy. That's why we're really proud that 100% of designated bathing waters in Lincolnshire, Suffolk, Essex and North Norfolk are rated as 'Good' or 'Excellent'."
The River Gipping is not included in Anglian Water's designated bathing water monitoring or its investment programme.
The bottom line: The Environment Agency continues testing to identify the source as the incident exposes a gap between designated bathing waters and the rivers Suffolk residents use daily. Anglian Water and Suffolk County Council have been contacted for comment.
