The Rivers Trust says sewage stats show we’re ‘treading water’ on sewage pollution

The Rivers Trust has been quick to respond to the release of information by the Environment Agency, on March 31, on how much raw sewage was released in England in 2021.

In a statement issued to the press, the trust stated: “Yet again, shocking numbers for the level of sewage pollution from storm overflows in England and Wales show that water companies are barely starting to get to grips with the scale of the problem.”

Christine Colvin, Director for Partnerships & Communications, The Rivers Trust, said: “The data that we’ve seen serves to highlight the low level of ambition in the Consultation plan from Defra. The plan aims to improve 52% of storm overflows by 2040, so that they’re not spilling more than 10 times per year.  Today’s EA data shows us that 40% are already recording 10 spills or less.  We want to see much more ambition to reduce spills overall and protect sites that are important for people and wildlife.”