Policy Threads

Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction

Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction is an environmental policy led by Defra and Ofwat to reduce untreated sewage discharges into waterways and coastal areas. The plan targets a 45% reduction in storm overflow events compared to 2021 baseline and upgrade of over 1,700 water treatment works. Current status shows increasing spill events (from 15 to 33 average per site annually) and concerns about antimicrobial resistance pathogen spread through contaminated waters.

25 Apr 2023 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Environment update

UIN: HCWS735 This government has been clear that sewage discharging into our rivers is completely unacceptable. In August 2022 this government published the Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan, with an accompanying impact assessment. It’s a plan that sets stringe...

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25 Apr 2023 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Environment update

UIN: HLWS721 My Right Honourable friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Thérèse Coffey) has made the following Statement. This government has been clear that sewage discharging into our rivers is completely unacceptable. In August 2022 …

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5 Sep 2022 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan

UIN: HCWS281 This government has been consistently clear that the failure of the water companies to adequately reduce the amount of storm sewage discharges is unacceptable. We are the first government to set a clear requirement on water companies to …

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5 Sep 2022 | Announcement Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan

UIN: HLWS277 My Right Honourable friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (George Eustice) has made the following Statement.This government has been consistently clear that the failure of the water companies to adequately reduce the amount...

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