Storm overflows are used to prevent sewers flooding homes, gardens and streets. They are intended to be used as a safety valve, diverting some of the rainwater and untreated sewage water into watercourses.
Each discharge alert means there could be sewage in the corresponding section of the watercourse.
Thames Water’s event duration monitoring map shows near real-time discharge activity over the past 48 hours (Photo: Thames Water)
It comes after much of the UK experienced heavy downpours and the Met Office issued several yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms and rain. More rain is forecast for the rest of Saturday through to Monday, with up to 90mm possible in just two hours in places.
An Environment Agency (EA) report published on Friday found serious water pollution incidents increased 60 per cent in 2024.
More than 80 per cent of the 75 water pollution events were driven by Thames Water (33 incidents), Southern Water (15) and Yorkshire Water (13).
The EA said persistent underinvestment in new infrastructure, poor asset maintenance, and reduced resilience due to the impacts of climate change were all among the reasons for the 2024 results highlighted in its report.
The latest discharges come ahead of the Government’s imminent water reforms announcement.
The move marks a victory for The i Paper’s Save Britain’s Rivers campaign, which has called on ministers to reform the water industry regulators.
It is understood that Reed’s promised reforms, along with greater investment in the crumbling sewerage network, are expected to make further significant increases in water bills unnecessary.
Thames Water has been approached for comment.
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