Sewage was discharged into the Humber for the equivalent of more than 200 days in 2024.
It is allowed to be spilled into waterways in order to prevent overflows during heavy rainfall.
There were 563,730 spills across England and Wales in 2024, according to figures from the Rivers Trust. It works out at an average of 1,544 a day, a figure that is down from 1,588 per day in 2023.
The Humber itself saw sewage being discharged into its water for the equivalent of over 200 days in 2024.
Nicola Shaw, CEO of Yorkshire Water, said:
“We know overflows are operating more than we, or our customers, would like, but we’re pleased to begin to show progress on reducing storm overflow activity in our region. The reductions in discharges in 2024 resulted from both a drier year than 2023 and the hard work of our teams to deliver our £180m investment programme.”
The Government’s Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, has reacted to the national sewage spills figures for 2024, he said:
“These figures are disgraceful and are a stark reminder of how years of underinvestment have led to water companies discharging unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes, and seas.
“We’ve already placed water companies under tough special measures through the landmark Water Act, banning unfair bonuses for polluting water bosses and introducing criminal charges for lawbreakers.
“But we will go further and faster. That’s why this government has secured over £100 billion of private sector investment to upgrade our crumbling infrastructure and not only clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good, but also help deliver economic growth across the country as part of our Plan for Change.”


Scarborough Sparkle Returns This Weekend
New Partnership Sees Foodbank Donation Stations at East Riding Council Buildings
Scarborough's Rainbow Centre Finds Hidden Room
Scarborough MP "Saddened" as Bingo Hall Closes
Demolition of Scarborough Hospital Link Bridge Approved
Whitby RNLI Crew Rescue Dog and Owners After Cliff Fall
Government Urged to Return Stroke Service to Scarborough Hospital
Scarborough Rainbow Centre Launches £10,000 Christmas Appeal Amidst Rising Family Struggles
North Yorkshire’s Mayor Welcomes ‘Landmark’ Budget and New Tourism Tax Powers
Yorkshire Hosepipe Ban Could Be Lifted in Weeks
More Mopeds, Motorbikes, and Cement Mixers Stolen as Theft Reports Increase on Rural Yorkshire Coast
Bridlington Woman Admits Causing Death of Young Boy’s Parents







Comments
Add a comment