More than 400 sewage discharges were recorded in the Humber Estuary in 2024, equating to over 200 days of pollution.
The data, published by The Rivers Trust, shows a slight year-on-year decrease in the total number of sewage spills into waterways across England and Wales. Despite this, Environment Secretary Steve Reed described the figures as “disgraceful,” announcing new measures aimed at prosecuting those who break laws.
Currently, regulations allow water companies to release sewage into rivers and coastal waters during periods of heavy rainfall, in order to prevent system overflows and flooding.
A spokesperson for Yorkshire Water acknowledged that discharges were occurring more frequently than desired but said the company is making progress in reducing storm overflow activity across the region.
(Image: Geograph / Marathon)
Part of the Gi Grimsby News team since 2020.