The frequency of sewage spills into rivers and streams in Gloucestershire surged in 2024, with a total of 9,634 incidents reported, averaging over 26 per day. This marks a significant increase from the 2023 figures, which stood at 7,862 spills. The spills lasted for a combined total of over 110,000 hours, representing the equivalent of 12-and-a-half years non-stop.
Across England and Wales, there were 563,730 spills in 2024, averaging at 1,544 per day, although this is a decrease from the previous year’s daily average of 1,588. The combined duration of these spills amounted to 4.55 million hours, which is equivalent to a tap running continuously for 520 years.
Notably, a sewage treatment works in Cirencester was the most active site in Gloucestershire, with 236 spills into the Thames lasting a total of 4,460 hours. Fairford sewage treatment works and Great Badminton Storm Tank followed closely in terms of spill frequency and duration.
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For residents interested in assessing local spill incidents, an interactive map is available for reference.
While Gloucestershire’s sewage spilling sites were concerning, Salcombe Regis in Devon topped the list in 2024 with a continuous spill duration of 8,773 hours. High levels of additional flows into the sewer network and groundwater impacting the sites were cited as contributing factors by the responsible water companies.
Thames Water commented on the situation, highlighting the unprecedented wet months in the region and the steps being taken to mitigate storm discharges and improve treatment capacity. The completion of the Tideway Tunnel is expected to significantly reduce the volume of discharges entering the tidal Thames.
In its commitment to river health, the company emphasized the role of various factors such as farming, industry, road runoff, and wildlife, and stressed the importance of transparency.