The Rivers Trust has updated its Sewage Map to include data for 2023. With data shared by the Environment Agency, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, and Hafren Dyfrdwy (Severn Dee Ltd.), the map has total coverage across England and Wales for the first time.
In 2023, a total of 579,581 spills of untreated sewage were counted across England and Wales, taking place over 4,608,495 hours. More than 464,000 of these took place in England, where monitors are now in place for 100% of storm overflows with a monitoring requirement.
Tessa Wardley, Director of Communications & Advocacy, said:
“I’m really pleased that members of the public can now investigate sewage discharges in their local area thanks to our updated Sewage Map. With storm overflows contributing to 11% of total ecological health failures in English rivers, it’s right and fair that people are informed about the issue and that water companies are held to account.
“There is still much more work to be done though, and we are looking forward to later in the year when near real-time data for all English water companies will be available on one platform. This will be a welcome development for people who spend time in or around rivers, and will be a tool for us continue our data-driven advocacy for a healthier water environment.”
