Untreated sewage has been discharged into Britain’s seas and rivers for more than half a million hours in Anglian Water’s catchment area, new data suggests.

Between 2016 and 2021 Anglian Water discharged sewage into waterways and the sea for a total of 501,959 hours, the equivalent of 57 years. The figures were released under a Freedom of Information Act request made by the Labour Party.

Further information held by the Rivers Trust shows that untreated sewage was discharged into local rivers across Peterborough on 312 occasions last year, the equivalent of 2,932 hours of spillage.

The Rivers Trust provides a breakdown of raw sewage spilled into local rivers and watercourses in Peterborough. Untreated sewage was released into the local area on 312 occasions last year, including into the River Nene and Werrington Brook.

It comes as the Environment Agency issued warnings to holidaymakers to avoid dozens of beaches across England and Wales this week.

Andrew Pakes, Labour & Co-operative Parliamentary Candidate for Peterborough commented:

“The government has allowed sewage to be dumped onto our beaches and into our waters without any action for too long. This isn’t just damaging for our natural environment, it’s also a significant public health hazard.

“We need to ensure water companies are held accountable for both leaks and sewage discharges. This needs action to ensure water companies are held accountable both legally and financially for any damage they cause.”