First-of-its-kind analysis reveals the widespread breaches of the law
By
England’s water companies have failed to report more than 50,000 sewage discharges within the legally required timeframe in the first six months of 2026, new analysis released tthis week by charity Surfers Against Sewage has revealed.
Yorkshire Water was the worst offender, failing to publish discharge data in time for more than 13,000 sewage discharges across the first half of 2026.
Enjoying this article? Check out our related reads…
Legislation coming into effect in 2025 means water companies in England must report sewage discharges within 60 minutes, so the public can be informed when sewage enters the water.
The latest report by Surfers Against Sewage also found that more than 4,000 delayed reports across England affected designated bathing waters. From January to August 2026, 1,687 people told Surfers Against Sewage they got sick after using water at rivers, lakes and beaches across the UK
Water companies are only permitted to discharge sewage through storm overflows during heavy rainfall. However, freedom of information data reveals that at least 70,400 hours of sewage were dumped on dry days and 7,450 ‘dry spills’ occurred in the first six months of 2026.
Last year, water companies in England were responsible for more than 1.8 million hours of sewage discharge – averaging 5,100 hours per day.
In 2026, the Government created a Public Health Water Taskforce to review how public health can be better integrated into water legislation. The taskforce includes activities such as advising the Government on public health risks associated with recreational water use. However, it has not yet released recommendations.
Surfers Against Sewage is urging the public to take part in a mass lobby from 22 to 26 October. Citizens will meet their MP face-to-face to raise the issue locally, encourage change and to pressure ministers to deliver a Clean Water Bill.
The charity also has an interactive space on its website showing how much sewage has been dumped in your area, available here.
‘Imagine checking for a sewage alert, heading out for a swim or a surf, and finding sewage has been pouring into the sea for hours. Your water company didn’t report it. In England, we don’t have to imagine it. We’re living it,’ said CEO of Surfers Against Sewage, Giles Bristow.
‘Water companies have systemically failed to report sewage discharges on time more than 50,000 times this year. That’s a threat to public health, and it’s illegal. Yet we pay the price, through our health and our soaring bills, while water company greed and law-breaking go unchecked.’”
