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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Sandra Laville

Sewage released into England’s rivers and seas nearly 300,000 times last year

EA SPORTS England Drought Michelle Walker Richard Benwell Pollution Yorkshire Water
Sewage floating on the top of a river with geese nearby
Sewage collects on the River Thames in the village of Datchet in Berkshire last month. Photograph: Maureen McLean/Shutterstock

Raw sewage was discharged into rivers and seas almost 300,000 times last year after the driest spring for more than 100 years and the sunniest and warmest year on record in England.

Water companies released raw sewage into rivers and seas from storm overflows – designed to be used in extreme wet weather conditions – 291,492 times. This was a 35% reduction on record spills in 2024. Average discharges were 20.5 spills for each overflow, compared with 31.8 in the previous year.

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