Thames Water discharged untreated sewage across multiple sites

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 20:20 · Archive

Thames Water released untreated sewage at multiple locations across Swindon and Wiltshire following Storm Austen and Storm Boelo. The discharges occurred as the county experienced severe weather.

The releases included seven days of sewage discharged into Cricklade, near Swindon, which flowed into a tributary of the River Thames before reaching the main river. Thames Water also discharged sewage into Latchford Brook at Tetsworth near Thame over eleven days, with the sewage flowing into Haseley Brook before reaching the River Thame and then the River Thames. Near Weston-on-the-Green, sewage was released into Gallos Brook for nearly forty hours, eventually reaching the River Ray and River Thames. At Bloxham, untreated sewage was discharged into Bloxham Brook across four days, flowing into Sor Brook before reaching the River Cherwell and River Thames. Over sixty hours of sewage was also released into the River Envelode at Moreton-In-Marsh.

Water companies are permitted to discharge diluted wastewater from storm overflows during periods of heavy rainfall, when the sewer network risks becoming overwhelmed. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of storm overflow use, with campaigners, regulators and politicians calling for faster action to reduce sewage spills and improve river water quality across the UK.

How it is being reported

• Where untreated sewage was discharged by Thames Water after Storm BoeloThe amount of untreated sewage released by Thames Water following Storm Austen and Storm Boelo has been revealed.Swindon Advertiser · 31 Oct, 18:50
• Where untreated sewage was discharged by Thames Water after Storm BoeloThe amount of untreated sewage released by Thames Water following Storm Austen and Storm Boelo has been revealed.Gazette & Herald · 31 Oct, 18:50

In this story: Thames Water · Swindon · Wiltshire · River Thames · Cricklade

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log