Our Water Quality Report reveals extent of the sewage scandal No images? Click here Hi, Today, we've released the 2022 Water Quality Report, exposing the stench behind the sewage scandal. We've found evidence of potential illegal activity where water companies have been dumping raw sewage when there's been no rain. They're only allowed to discharge sewage in 'extreme rainfall' conditions, but we found evidence of 146 'dry spills' in the last year. This summer, water companies poured untreated sewage into our bathing waters 5,504 times during the bathing season. And we had 400 sickness reports from bathing waters classified as 'excellent'. Meanwhile, they persist with paying out big CEO bonuses and shareholder dividends (£965 million) despite most water companies making a loss this year. Their environmental ratings drop as they continue to profit from pollution. We found: Over the 2022 bathing season, sewage was dumped into rivers and seas in England for a total of 15,012 hours. Water companies were responsible for 146 'dry spills' over a 12-month period - that's opening up overflows and discharging sewage when there's been no rain. 95 'dry spills' were in 'excellent' bathing waters We had 720 sickness reports over the last year, with cases of bacterial infections, kidney failure and Leptospirosis. Two thirds of cases who visited the doctor had their illness attributed to contaminated water. 400 sickness reports were at 'excellent' bathing waters We’re turning the tide on sewage pollution. The sewage scandal is plain for us all to see. This year, river and ocean activists across the country have been out in force, demanding change. Decision makers are listening, and water companies can’t hide. Together we can end sewage pollution. For the Ocean, Amy, Head of Campaigns & Policy at SAS
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