Hundreds of sewage spill into rivers and seas as floods hit southern England

Hundreds of sewage spills have been reported across southern England, as heavy rain continues to overwhelm the UK’s water supply system.

Thames Water – which provides detailed data to the Rivers Trust – recorded 263 overflows on its network in the last 48 hours.

Live data maps showed other companies – including Anglian Water, Wessex Water and Southern Water – discharged sewage at dozens of locations over the same period.

Britain has been hit by heavy downpours over the past week, as the Met Office issued weather warnings covering the majority of England and Wales, with flooding causing significant disruption.

In London, where Thames Water operates, firefighters responded to 350 calls across the capital to flooding in areas including Ruislip, Uxbridge, Wimbledon and Carshalton.

To prevent their systems from becoming saturated under exceptional conditions, water companies are allowed to discharge raw sewage from 14,500 disposal points across the country.

After Thames Water discharged sewage nearby, organizers of an arts event at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, east London, were forced to cancel due to concerns about the safety of participants.

Six screenings of Discovery: a ballet on the waterwhich features artists floating along the Waterworks River on floating sculptures, were scheduled for Friday.

But on Thursday, organizers were told it would be dangerous to continue.

Sarah Carrington – deputy director of the company behind DisinformationThe Line – said the cancellation “highlights the impact of wastewater discharges on local communities”.

“It’s a huge disappointment to have to cancel Rasheed Araeen’s contract Disinformation because a lot of work has gone into the preparations.

“The cancellation of Disinformation highlights the impact of sewage discharge on local communities and the urgency with which water companies and government must act to stop the discharge of raw sewage into our waterways,” he said. she added.

Conservationists have expressed concern over the lack of resilience in the water network as the three wettest months of the year – October, November and December – approach.

Ali Morse, head of water policy for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “The scale of toxic pollution from sewage overflows this week has further illustrated the scale of the problems facing the UK water industry. water. »

Calum Duncan, policy and advocacy manager at the Marine Conservation Society, added: “We are alarmed by sewage spills across the country following recent heavy rain.

“With several months of colder and stormier weather ahead, we are concerned that more spills will occur, highlighting the need for rapid investment in natural solutions and stricter regulations. »

James Wallace, CEO of environmental campaign group River Action, called on the government to place Thames Water into special administration, a form of temporary nationalisation.

He said: “Autumn hasn’t started yet and here we are again with heavy rain and a totally unprepared water industry. Now is the time to send a clear message to water officials: the days of pollution for profit are over.

“Rather than speculating about rising customer bills, the new government should enforce the law, starting with placing Thames Water into special administration. »

The government can place companies into special administration if they are unable to pay their debts due to failure to comply with legal requirements.

Thames Water is facing a financial crisis, with more than £15 billion in debt and, reportedly, only enough funds to run its operations for a few months.

Unless the company can raise new funds from private investors, the government may be forced to bring it under its control.

At this week’s party conference, the Environment Secretary unveiled Labour’s plan to invest in the UK’s ailing water infrastructure.

Steve Reed announced that £88 billion of private investment would enable the government to “repair the foundations” of the water sector and end the sewage crisis.

Consumers will be forced to cover the cost, with the plan funded by an expected increase in bills of £19 a year between 2025 and 2030.

Around £10 billion will be invested in improving storm overflows, £4 billion to boost the country’s water supply – including building the first new reservoirs in over a generation – as well as 6 billion to tackle nutrient pollution, caused largely by the agricultural sector.

Mr Duncan said the plans were a “welcome step” towards resolving the crisis.

“We hope this is the start of committed and increased investment in cost-effective natural solutions that will both clean up wastewater pollution and reduce flooding,” he added.

Tessa Wardley, director of communications and advocacy at the Rivers Trust, suggested the government should put more investment into nature-based solutions.

“We need government to help us work with nature to deliver watershed-based solutions: properly functioning rivers and streams, more trees, healthier soils, and greener, more permeable surfaces in our cities to reduce the amount of water flowing to our residents. the sewers,” she said.

Mr Morse reiterated his call for a more nature-based approach.

“We don’t see enough attention to nature-based solutions – like creating wetlands – to store water and prevent wastewater overflows from devastating waterways and wildlife,” he declared.

Thames Water has been contacted for comment.