Data revealing the shocking extent of sewage pollution flowing into rivers in South Shropshire show why action is needed to clean up our rivers, says local MP Philip Dunne.

Mr Dunne has introduced a Private Member’s Bill to place a duty on water companies to ensure that untreated sewage is not discharged into rivers and other inland waters.

Sewage spilled into South Shropshire rivers for a total of 7,721 hours in 2019, as a result of 72 discharges from water treatment works across the constituency.

This includes spillages from Combined Sewer Overflows in Bridgnorth and Quatford into the River Severn last year 301 times, for a duration 960 hours. The Severn was also affected by spillage into tributary waterways at Broseley for 256 hours through 128 separate spills.

Sewage entered the River Teme at Ludlow on 181 occasions, for a total duration of 1,768 hours. The River Teme was also affected at Burford, where 150 spillages took place for a total of 1,886 hours.

Smaller rivers were also affected with Borle Brook badly affected at Highley, with 79 spillages for a total of 1,179 hours, while the River Clun was also affected at the town on 56 occasions for a total of 570 hours.

Both the River Severn and River Worfe have been classified as in ‘poor’ ecological condition under the Water Framework Directive from the Environment Agency, with the Worfe affected by sewage spills 108 times for a total of 1,812 hours last year. The River Rea is classed as in ‘bad’ ecological condition.

Mr Dunne said the extent of the problem could be even more wide-reaching, given this data has been extracted from what has been admitted publicly by water companies, some of which have been more reluctant than others to acknowledge the true extent of spillage. Although he recognises that local water company Severn Trent Water has been one of the more forthcoming of all the water companies.

The Bill will have its Second Reading on 15th January, and Mr Dunne is encouraging people across the country to ask their MP to back his Bill.

Mr Dunne said: “Strolling along a riverbank in South Shropshire, or looking over a bridge in one of our towns, you might not be aware of the huge problem of sewage spilling into our local rivers. But 7,721 hours of spillage in our local rivers occurred in just the last year alone. In fact I suspect the actual amount of spillage may be higher, as the current system of event  monitoring across the country leaves a lot to be desired. While much of this happens at the same time when it rains, it is equivalent to a spillage happening somewhere in South Shropshire for 88% of the year. Water companies are licensed to spill so there is a release mechanism intended to be used for exceptional storms, but now it has become routine - virtually whenever it rains.

Clearly, this completely unacceptable, and sewage spills need to stop. I am determined to clean up the state of our rivers, not only here in South Shropshire, but across the whole country.  So I am asking the public to check if their MP is backing my Bill, and if not, to ask them why. I am delighted to have support of over 80 MPs so far with broad cross-party interest, but we shall need many more to have a chance of this Bill becoming law.”

The Bill already enjoys the support of The Rivers Trust, The Angling Trust, Surfers Against Sewage, Wildlife Trusts, Wildlife & Countryside Link, RSPB, Salmon & Trout Conservation, Freshwater Habitats, Bug Life, Waterkeeper Alliance, London Waterkeeper, Windrush Against Pollution, Sewage Free Swimmers, Blue Marine Foundation, Outdoor Swimming Society, British Canoeing, Royal Lifesaving Society, Marinet UK, and the Institute of Fisheries Management.

It proposes several other measures, including:

• improving transparency and monitoring of the impact of spillages on water quality;
• separating surface and foul water drainage systems from new infrastructure and housing development;
• encouraging nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment;
• requiring water meters for all homes being leased, rented or sold from 2025;
• prohibiting use of plastic in flushable products;
• promoting improvements in bathing water standards for inland waters and rivers.

Mr Dunne added: “I am calling on local councils to check the information which has been published for the first time on the website supporting my campaign, and move a motion in support of my Sewage (Inland Waters) Bill.”

There is an easy to navigate map showing the frequency and duration of spills at every water treatment works in England accessible here: www.sas.org.uk/EndSewagePollution-SewageBill