Storm overflows dumped sewage into rivers and seas across England for more than 3.6 million hours in 2023, more than double what was obtained the previous year.

The country’s environmental agency data reveal 464,056 spills in 2023, up 54 per cent from 301,091 in 2022.

The agency attributed the situation partly to England experiencing its sixth-wettest year on record.

The figures reveal the frequency and duration of spills from storm overflows, which dump untreated sewage into rivers and seas.

This is usually done during heavy rainfall to stop sewers from backing up amid high public concern and anger over England’s waterways and beaches.

The figures show that the duration of the sewage spills has more than doubled, from 1,754,921 hours in 2022 to 3,606,170 hours in 2023.

Both the frequency and duration of spills were also up in 2020 levels, which saw comparable amounts of rainfall.

The figures were at their highest-ever levels, although officials caution that comparisons over the years are difficult.

This is because an increasing number of storm overflows have been fitted with monitors over time, with all now having the technology to record spills. 

(dpa/NAN)