An outbreak of sewage fungus in New Malden is being dealt with by the Environment Agency.
The fungus was spotted at a pipe entrance going into the Hogsmill River, near the Church Road stretch, and usually occurs when sewage is running into fresh water.
Steph Illsley from the Environment Agency said: "Sewage fungus can be toxic to wildlife but I tested it for amonia and at the level it is at at the moment it is safe.
"It is likely that one of the houses close by has the foul and fresh water pipes mixed up.
"It is quite a common problem in urban areas.
"At its current level it is not dangerous to wildlife or people but we are investigating with Thames Water and the South East Rivers Trust and will keep an eye on it."
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