Record level of raw sewage spills branded ‘disgraceful'

Raw sewage was released into England’s rivers and seas for a high of 3.61 million hours last year, in new figures that Labour called disgraceful”.

- ALBERT TOTH

Data released by the Environment Agency shows that, while the number of sewage spills by water companies was down slightly, each spill lasted longer on average.

The total duration of spills was 3.61 million hours, up a slight 0.2 per cent from 2023. These two years are the first that every single site was recorded. While spillage is not necessarily illegal, it is only meant to be done in exceptional circumstances when the sewerage system is at risk of being overwhelmed due to factors like excessive rainfall.

In August 2024, regulator Ofwat issued a record £168m combined fines to Thames, Yorkshire and Northumbrian Water. Industry body Water UK has previously apologised for the amount of spills in the country and is investing £104bn over the next five years to combat the issue.

Environment secretary Steve Reed said: "These figures are disgraceful and are a stark reminder of how years of underinvestment have led to water companies discharging unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes, and seas."