Outrage erupts over massive sewage spill that flowed for 366 days

The longest sewage "spill" from 2024 lasted a whole year, an analysis of data has revealed. South West Water was responsible for the worst discharge with sewage spilling from one outlet into Salcombe Regis Stream for 366 days because of the leap year in 2024.

The liberal Democrat's analysis of Environment Agency data suggested this was a huge increase on 2023 when sewage was pumped from that same site for the equivalent of 201 days. Despite this, water company executives received over £20million last year - including basic pay, pension contributions and bonuses.

Leader of Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: "It is horrifying to know that sewage has been pumped into British rivers, and disgracefully in South West Water's case, disgusting sewage has polluted water every single day last year - all 366 days of it.

"Even worse, while the sewage scandal drags on and on, company executives are pocketing eye-watering bonuses and customers face spiralling bills."

Southern Water recorded the second longest spill, lasting 285 days, into the River Lavant which flows directly into Chichester Harbour - a protected site and area of special scientific interest and conservation.

Wessex Water placed third with a spill continuing for over 269 days into River Bourne in Wiltshire. Anglian Water's longest sewage spill comes in at number five, with a spill lasting 229 days.

"Enough is enough. Conservative Ministers ignored the sewage scandal for too long, and the Labour government seems to be following suit. We urgently need a tough new regulator with real teeth, and an immediate ban on bonuses for the executives damaging our environment."

It comes as campaign group River Action has warned Boat Race winners to "think twice before throwing their cox in the Thames" after again finding concerning levels of e.coli along the course.

The group says it has found, since testing began on March 10, that 29.5% of samples exceeded safe limits for entering the water.

Boat Race organisers agreed quality remains an "ongoing concern" and will once again be referring crews for this Sunday's races to British Rowing guidance to protect the health of the students participating.

Erica Popplewell, River Action's head of communities, said: "Right now, if the stretch of the Thames used for the Boat Race were an official bathing site it would be graded poor, the lowest possible rating.

"The government's own advice for such water is 'do not swim.' So, we strongly suggest that the winning team on Sunday think twice before throwing their cox in the Thames.

"We would also urge all rowers to follow the safety guidelines to mitigate risk. The Boat Race should be about sporting excellence-not about worrying if you'll get sick from being dunked - and attracting people to take up water sports as a healthy activity."

Cambridge will be looking for a third straight victory in the men's race, while Oxford will be aiming for a first women's title since 2016.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the Boat Race should be a time of celebration but it has been "damaged" because of water pollution caused by failing water companies.

He added: "The new Government is taking rapid action so historic events like this aren't ruined by sewage contamination.

"We've brought in tough new laws to ban unfair bonuses for polluting water bosses and stronger criminal charges when pollution laws are broken.

"Alongside that, over £104 billion is now being invested to upgrade our broken water system, stop sewage spills and support growth as part of the Government's Plan for Change.

"This Government will clean up waterways across the country, including the Thames, so events like the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race are safe for the future."

A Water Uk spokesman said: "No sewage spill is ever acceptable. Water companies are investing £12 billion to almost halve spills from storm overflows by 2030.

"This is part of the largest amount of money ever spent on the natural environment to help support economic growth, build more homes, secure our water supplies and end sewage entering our rivers and seas."

Richard Price, managing director of wastewater services at South West Water said: "We are one of only five companies in the industry to reduce spills compared to 2023. Our focus has been to reduce spills at beaches in the bathing season by 20% in the last five years as we continue to focus on what our customers care about. We have also been focused on the highest spilling sites from 2023 and have already removed three quarters of the top 20 sites.

"This is part of our 15-year investment plan - and while change on this scale takes time, we are already seeing positive results.
"We're also proud to be an industry leader on data and transparency. We measure more spills, more often and therefore have highly accurate data.

"There is more to do and we are moving in the right direction driven by our determination to deliver on our customers' priorities."