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.”


Top Level Motorcycle Road Racing Returns To Scarborough's Oliver's Mount
Scarborough Athletic Boosted By Returning Players For Crucial Buxton Clash
North Yorkshire Police To Implement Live Facial Recognition Technology
Future Of Scarborough Bathing Water Quality Summits Secured As Officials Vow To Continue Multi-Agency Efforts
Ingram Addition For Whitby Town
Crime Drops By Over Three Per Cent Across North Yorkshire As Arrest Rates Rise
Yorkshire Coast Concerns: Coastal Tourism in England Drops by Ten Percent
Seaweed Aquaculture Explored As Natural Solution To Scarborough Bathing Water Quality
Council Considers New Bonfire Night Restrictions For Scarborough Beaches Following Sea Life Centre Outrage
Whitby Town FC Announce Changes To Club's Board
East Riding Authorities Team Up For Investment Event
Martial Arts and Self Defence at Bridlington Spa







Comments
Add a comment