The government is taking comprehensive measures to combat storm overflows, extending its plan to safeguard coastal, estuary sites, and vital marine areas
The government is taking sweeping action to combat sewage pollution and cleanse our water systems by expanding its Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan.
This plan now encompasses all coastal and estuary storm overflows, making it the most significant infrastructure initiative in water company history.
Protection to tackle storm overflows in waterways
The updated plan introduces stringent targets to shield both people and the environment, focusing on areas used for bathing, shellfish cultivation, and high ecological significance. Marine Protected Areas and shellfish water-protected areas will also be categorised as high-priority sites alongside Sites of Special Scientific Interest and bathing waters.
This extended plan necessitates a substantial increase in capital investment, estimated at £60 billion, up from the previously announced £56 billion in 2022.
The government is committed to ensuring the water system’s resilience against storm overflows.
Stringent targets and accountability for water companies
The Plan for Water, outlining the government’s strategy for water companies, emphasises more investment, rigorous regulation, and stricter enforcement. The plan imposes demanding targets on water companies to improve storm overflows discharging into or near designated bathing waters, high-priority sites, and all remaining overflows by 2050.
Balancing investment and costs for cleaner waterways
While striving for cleaner waterways, the government seeks to balance essential investment and consumer costs. Eliminating all discharges, as some have advocated, could lead to excessive bills, ranging from £120 billion to £600 billion, potentially increasing annual water bills significantly by 2049.
In summary, the government’s commitment to addressing storm overflows in waterways underscores its dedication to safeguarding the environment and public health. This comprehensive strategy seeks to improve water quality and holds water companies accountable, ensuring cleaner and more resilient water systems for the future.
