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.” 

NEWS CATEGORIES

LATEST NEWS

Government agrees to publish faster response to OEP assessment, following pressure from the Environmental Audit Committee

The Government has agreed to accelerate publishing its response to the Office for Environmental Protection’s (OEP) annual assessment report, following pressure from the Environmental...

Environment Secretary Steve Reed champions private investment in nature recovery as the government launches a new call for evidence

Speaking to leading figures from financial institutions, property, retail and sustainability sectors at a roundtable event in London yesterday (12 June 2025), the Environment...

River conditions show importance of ongoing monitoring in Scotland

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is warning that despite rain in most of the country, current river flow monitoring shows sustained local pressure...

ELIQUO HYDROK strengthens executive team with the appointment of Matt Down as joint MD

Matt Down, who has joined leading water engineering solutions company, ELIQUO HYDROK as joint MD, working alongside Peter Wroe, shares his thoughts as to...