An interactive map shows how sewage is being emptied into rivers and bathing water in the UK - including in Worcesershire.

The Rivers Trust produced the map using data from the Environment Agency to show where the sewerage network discharges and overflows into rivers.

They have advised people to avoid entering the water downstream immedietly after these overflows, especially after it has been raining.

The brown circles represent overflows on the map, with the larger yellow boxes indicating whether water companies are responsible.

Use the search box or scroll in to find the rivers your local area on the map.

Be warned, it may make for disturbing viewing.

A spokesperson for The Rivers Trust said: "At The Rivers Trust, we believe that people should be able to swim, paddle, catch and play without worrying about sewage pollution.

"That’s why we launched Together for Rivers: an ambitious campaign which hopes to see designated bathing waters introduced to well-used rivers in the UK.

"Until cleaner rivers become a reality, we will continue to fight for public access to data on sewage pollution.

"That’s why we created our Sewage Map, which gives details on the location and spill duration of CSOs across England and Wales."

MPs controversial vote

Just last week, MPs voted by 268 to 204 to reject an amendment to the Environment Bill which sought to place a legal duty on water companies to reduce sewage discharge into rivers.

Currently, water companies can pump rainwater and small amounts of untreated sewage into rivers through release valves to prevent sewage backing up into homes following heavy rain or storms.


Data released by the Rivers Trust has shown that Severn Trent Water discharged raw sewage for over 550,000 hours in 2020. 

All but 22 Conservative MPs opposed the amendment, including West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin.

She said: "There are three major rivers running through my West Worcestershire constituency and I am acutely aware of the need to properly manage these during serious weather events, and also to protect them for leisure users throughout the year.

"I am glad that the Environment Bill, which I supported seeks to strengthen measures to protect our environment, including our rivers, and I have been disappointed with the misinformation which has been spread over social media on this matter."

Mrs Baldwin also said that her decision will save constituents money.

"The amendments which were proposed by the House of Lords lacked an action plan and would have resulted in a £5,000 increase in household water bills and I did not want to impose that on constituents," she added.

"The Government has outlined significant action to deliver real reductions caused by storm overflows. Water quality remains an absolute priority for me, and I know it is for my constituents as well."