The Alarming Frequency of Sewage Discharge

The increasing discharge of raw sewage into rivers and coastal waters in England has reached alarming levels, with over 400,000 incidents recorded in 2020 alone. This problem stems from an outdated sewage infrastructure that struggles to cope with rising populations and climate change, leading to more frequent overflows. As a result, water companies are permitted to release untreated sewage to prevent backflows into homes and businesses, raising concerns about public health and environmental safety. Despite regulatory bodies like the Environment Agency and Ofwat, limited actions have been taken to hold water companies accountable for these practices.