The sewerage network in our country regularly discharges treated sewage as well as overflows of untreated sewage and storm water into our rivers.
Collectively, there were 384,568 spills from the discharge points last year for a combined total of over 2.3 million hours, according to data from the Environment Agency. The most active sewage discharge point in England and Wales pumped waste into a river for the equivalent of 325 days straight last year.
One of the worst affected areas of Leeds was the Knostrop Wastewater Treatment Works. At an outlet near Pontefract Lane there were 89 spills lasting 1,088 hours or a total of around 45 days.
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At the same site but on the River Aire side there were also a significant number of spills. In this spot there were 43 spills during 2022 with those lasting 329 hours or a total of around 14 days.
At Meanwood Park Side there were 28 spills that lasted 175 hours (around seven days) and at the Harrogate Road overflow there were 62 spills lasting 116 hours (around five days). Another spot on the River Aire in nearby Rawdon spilled 68 times into the waterway, these spills lasted 804 hours or around 33 days.
Tessa Wardley, Director of Communications & Advocacy at the Rivers Trust said: "Sewage pollution in our rivers has gone unchecked for too long, but we know now that raising awareness and increasing public pressure has forced government, regulators, and water companies to change course.
“For the public to know where their worst performing outfalls are is absolutely vital in keeping that pressure on those in power to direct improvements to the right places to do what's best for the environment, wildlife, and people."
