New real-time overflow map tracks live sewage discharges in England
Water UK — the trade association for the UK water industry — has launched the National Storm Overflow Hub (NSOH), a new platform that provides real-time data on sewage spills across England. The map offers an integrated view of discharge events, increasing transparency and helping communities and water users monitor local water quality.
The creation of the map follows calls from organisations such as the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the Clean Water Sports Alliance (CWSA) for real-time monitoring of sewage overflows. By bringing together discharge data from across the country, the platform allows water users to see when pollution is being released into rivers or seas and enables regulators to monitor overflow activity in near real-time for enforcement and intervention purposes.
The map, however, does not include certain features that campaigners deem essential. It lacks historical data, details on the volume of discharges, and context about the potential risks these events pose to public health. Groups such as the CWSA and Surfers Against Sewage have called for further developments to address these gaps.
In a statement, the RYA says it supports the initiative but emphasises that additional enhancements are needed to prioritise public health. The group is urging Water UK to expand the platform’s capabilities to provide a clearer understanding of pollution trends and risks.
Phil Horton, the RYA’s environment and sustainability manager, says: “We are pleased to see this new map go live, ensuring that storm overflow data is reported consistently across England. Transparency is key to managing risk, and this is a good start. The RYA will continue to work alongside our colleagues in the CWSA to apply pressure to the water industry to further improve the information available so that water sports participants can make properly informed decisions about participation.
“The transparent reporting of data is a key ask of the CWSA, but it must go hand in hand with rapidly improved performance leading to safe waters across the country.”
The NSOH map shows near real-time discharge data from over 14,000 storm overflows in England. It can be seen online.
The problem of sewage overflows being pumped into waterways has become a huge concern in the UK in recent years as the country’s ageing and underfunded sewage system struggles to cope with demand.
In 2023, 57 swimmers were reported suffering from diarrhoea and sickness after competing in sea swimming events at the World Triathlon Championship in Sunderland. British Triathlon says it followed all guidelines and the water was clean, but an Environment Agency report (published after the event, with water samples from near the event area) showed high levels of E-coli.
