THE Westbury area saw raw sewage spill into local waterways for a total of 61 days in 2023.
According to an interactive map by the Environment Agency (EA), two sewer storm overflows in Westbury spilled for a total of almost 33 days non-stop, while a sewer storm overflow in Clivey, Dilton Marsh, spilled for 26 days and one in Bratton spilled for a total of 58 hours.
England has a combined sewage system, which means that clean rainwater and waste water from toilets, bathrooms and kitchens are conveyed in the same pipe to sewage treatment works. During heavy rainfall, the capacity of these pipes can be exceeded, which means possible flooding of sewage works and the potential to back up and flood homes, roads and open spaces, unless it is allowed to spill elsewhere.
According to the EA, there were 3.6 million hours of spills in 2023 compared to 1.75 million hours in 2022. The industry body for sewerage companies Water UK said the record levels were due to heavy rain.
The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said, “This is clearly unacceptable. However, this was predictable given the particularly wet weather, so what’s important now is that we start to see a reduction in harmful spills as a result of water industry investment. £3.1bn is already being spent between 2020 and 2025, and a further £180m has been fast-tracked to be spent this year.
“This investment should focus on preventing the spills which are most environmentally damaging, and on creating wetlands and other nature-based solutions to keep water out of the sewers in the first place. These are a cost-and carbon-efficient way of preventing spills. We know that bill rises are going to be challenging for many customers, so spending efficiently, and providing support for those who struggle to pay, need to be central to companies’ efforts to tackle spills.”
What can residents to do help?
In partnership with Wessex Water, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is running a volunteer scheme to help monitor the health of our rivers.
A spokesperson said, “We are looking for committed local people to walk along rivers as part of their regular routine to pick litter and monitor for signs of pollution.”
To find out more about this volunteering opportunity, visit: https://volunteering.wiltshirewildlife.org/volunteers/opportunity/10187024
The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust added, “Another key thing people can do to help our rivers and the pressure on the sewerage network is to be aware of what is going down drains in their property.
“This is everything from wipes and sanitary items down toilets – should just be the ‘3 Ps’ – to turning the tap off when they brush their teeth, reducing the length of showers, using eco setting on dishwaters and washing machines and having water butts to intercept drainpipes from gutters on houses, sheds and garages. This all reduces the pressure on the network and therefore the amount of emergency spilling that has to take place.”
To view the interactive map, visit www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-68665335
