Closed 19 events
Lifecycle stage Response Published
415 days in stage

Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction

Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction is an environmental policy led by Defra and Ofwat to reduce untreated sewage discharges into waterways and coastal areas. The plan targets a 45% reduction in storm overflow events compared to 2021 baseline and upgrade of over 1,700 water treatment works. Current status shows increasing spill events (from 15 to 33 average per site annually) and concerns about antimicrobial resistance pathogen spread through contaminated waters.


Showing 19 key signals from 24 total
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24 Mar 2025 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Draft information and guidance on storm overflows — outcome published

Defra is seeking views on draft information and guidance on storm overflows. This aims to support water companies and regulators in carrying out their responsibilities to reduce the use of storm overflows.

24 Jan 2025 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Draft information and guidance on storm overflows — consultation closed

Defra is seeking views on draft information and guidance on storm overflows. This aims to support water companies and regulators in carrying out their responsibilities to reduce the use of storm overflows.

21 Nov 2024 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Draft information and guidance on storm overflows — consultation opened

Defra is seeking views on draft information and guidance on storm overflows. This aims to support water companies and regulators in carrying out their responsibilities to reduce the use of storm overflows.

25 Sep 2023 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Storm overflows discharge reduction plan

The storm overflows discharge reduction plan sets stringent new targets to protect people and the environment. This will require water companies to deliver the largest infrastructure programme in water company history.

14 Sep 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Continuous water quality monitoring and event duration monitoring — outcome published

Seeking views on the government’s proposals to enhance the monitoring of storm overflows and final effluent discharges into watercourses.

23 May 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Continuous water quality monitoring and event duration monitoring — consultation closed

Seeking views on the government’s proposals to enhance the monitoring of storm overflows and final effluent discharges into watercourses.

12 Apr 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

Continuous water quality monitoring and event duration monitoring — consultation opened

Seeking views on the government’s proposals to enhance the monitoring of storm overflows and final effluent discharges into watercourses.

7 Jun 2021 | Bill stage linked

Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill [HL]

First Reading 14:18:00 A Bill to place a duty on water companies to ensure that untreated sewage is not discharged into rivers and other inland waters. The Bill was introduced by the Duke of Wellington [V], read a first time …