Dry weather sewage discharges soar as water companies face scrutiny
Summary
The number of illegal sewage releases by water companies into rivers and seas during dry weather in England and Wales has risen sharply in early 2026. These discharges happen without rain to dilute the sewage, which makes pollution more harmful and violates environmental rules.Key Facts
- Water companies are required to report raw sewage discharges during dry weather to the Environment Agency.
- Between January and May 2026, there were 7,280 reported illegal sewage spills during dry weather, nearly as many as the 8,576 reported in all of 2025.
- Dry weather spills are more toxic because rivers have less water flow and no rain to lessen pollution effects.
- Combined sewer overflows are designed for heavy rain emergencies but are often misused to discharge sewage regularly.
- South West Water reported 1,299 dry weather sewage spills in the first five months of 2026, compared with 2,451 for the whole of 2025.
- Environmental officials and whistleblowers say water companies prioritize profits over stopping illegal sewage discharges.
- Recent spills happened quickly after light rain following long droughts, showing ongoing contamination problems.
- Regulators have promised tougher action but the problem has continued or worsened according to whistleblower data.
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