A new map reveals that sewage spills in Cornwall have more than doubled in 2023, raising serious concerns about water quality and public health.
Cornwall: The sewage crisis is getting worse. A new map shows that sewage spills have more than doubled this year. This is alarming for everyone who cares about clean water.
The map, called ‘The Sewage Map’, was created by Dr. Alex Lipp and Jonny Dawe. It shows real-time data on where sewage is being dumped into rivers. If you see a ‘poo’ emoji, it means there’s a sewage discharge happening.
There’s also a red exclamation mark for spills in the last 48 hours and a green tick for no spills. Right now, the map only covers England, as Scotland and Wales have different regulations.
Dr. Alex, an environmental scientist, emphasizes the importance of understanding sewage pollution. He believes it affects both human health and ecosystems. The data shows that untreated sewage was released for 3.6 million hours in 2023, a huge jump from 1.8 million hours in 2022.
Untreated sewage can introduce harmful pollutants into our waterways. This includes microplastics and bacteria that can cause serious health issues. Last year, experts warned about the risks of human waste in rivers, urging for more testing.
Marine life is also suffering. Sewage can lead to harmful algae blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water and kill fish and other species. Campaigners are pushing for urgent action to protect biodiversity.
The Sewage Map started as a side project but has gained significant attention. It was made possible by new legislation requiring water companies to share their sewage discharge data.
However, the data is still limited. We don’t know exactly what is being spilled or how it affects water quality. Dr. Alex wants more transparency and better data to understand the full impact of sewage on rivers.
Most of the UK uses a combined sewer system, which can overflow during heavy rain. This leads to sewage being dumped into rivers and the sea. Some companies are even releasing sewage during dry periods, which is against regulations.
On October 23, 2024, the UK government launched a Water Commission to improve water infrastructure. They aim to create new laws that benefit both customers and the environment.
Dr. Alex hopes that with more data, we can better understand water quality and sewage impacts. The government’s new legislation will require water companies to provide more information and install water quality monitors.
For more information, you can check out the Sewage Map at https://www.sewagemap.co.uk/.
