United Utilities discharges sewage into River Irthing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

United Utilities discharged untreated sewage into the River Irthing for one hour and 50 minutes on October 9 after heavy rainfall.

United Utilities discharged untreated sewage from Gilsland Wastewater Treatment Works into the River Irthing for one hour and 50 minutes on October 9. The river feeds into the River Eden, one of Cumbria's most important salmon habitats.

Water companies are legally permitted to discharge wastewater into rivers, becks and the sea when heavy rainfall overwhelms their infrastructure. However, they face criticism for the prevalence of such discharges, with some believing companies should work faster to improve sewer system capacity.

United Utilities said in a statement that protecting rivers like the Eden is a priority and that it is investing around £50 million across the Carlisle catchment between now and 2030 to reduce storm overflow impacts and improve river health. The company said this includes dozens of improvement projects designed to increase capacity and resilience across the wastewater network.

How it is being reported

• United Utilities dumps sewage into river for nearly two hours after heavy rainfallA water company has dumped untreated sewage for nearly two hours into the River Irthing on the Cumbria-Northumberland border.Cumberland News · 16 Oct, 05:00
• United Utilities dumps sewage into river for nearly two hours after heavy rainfallA water company has dumped untreated sewage for nearly two hours into the River Irthing on the Cumbria-Northumberland border.Whitehaven News · 16 Oct, 05:00

In this story: United Utilities · River Irthing · River Eden · Gilsland Wastewater Treatment Works · Cumbria · Northumberland

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