More than 43,000 hours of sewage were dumped into England’s rivers and seas over the summer, according to data released by the Environment Agency, a figure that has intensified scrutiny of the country’s sewer network.
The hours reflect releases from combined sewer overflows, which operators use to relieve pressure on ageing systems during storms and periods of high demand. The agency says such discharges are a long-standing feature of the network but that recent patterns have drawn particular public attention.
The Environment Agency notes that the measurement covers discharges across England’s inland and coastal waters during the summer months, highlighting the scope of the issue beyond particular towns or regions.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said it was monitoring performance and continuing to engage with water companies to reduce routine discharges while maintaining protection against flooding and public health risks.
Industry representatives stressed that the sector is investing in infrastructure upgrades and treatment works to curb spills, arguing that CSOs play a necessary role in preventing wider sewer flooding.
Environmental campaigners described the figure as a stark reminder of long‑standing problems with the nation’s water system and called for stronger regulation and greater transparency around discharges and their locations.
Public health and recreational groups have urged authorities to publish more detailed, regional data so communities and beaches can better assess the risks associated with bathing and contact with affected waters.
The summer data adds to an ongoing national debate about how best to modernise England’s sewage infrastructure while safeguarding water quality for both people and wildlife.
