Water companies pumped raw sewage into our rivers nearly 300,000 times last year.
Data from the Environment Agency, which is responsible for English rivers, reveals the “spills” have soared by more than 2,200 per cent in four years.
Discharge of untreated waste – which includes excrement, condoms and toilet paper – is permitted in “exceptional circumstances” such as torrential rain.
But river watchdogs say the scale of sewage releases shows it has become a “routine” part of water management.
They are demanding urgent action, insisting: “We want water companies to clean up their mess.”
The discharges are from sewage treatment works, storm drains and overflows at pumping stations. There were 292,864 in 2019, up from 12,637 in 2016.
The Environment Agency issues permits to all nine water firms to release waste from sewer overflows so water does not back up and flood homes.
The companies claim the huge increase in reported incidents is down to improved monitoring equipment.
But environmental groups say the system is “a licence to pollute”.
Anneka France, of the Rivers Trust, said: “We can accept that upgrading our sewer system isn’t going to be easy but a lot of urgent action needs to be taken.
“Many sewage overflows are operating when they shouldn’t. They should only operate in extreme conditions but quite a lot are in periods of dry weather.
“If they are operating correctly, the raw sewage will be diluted with all the rainwater sloshing through the drains.
“If it cannot be diluted, the sewage is quite harmful to the environment and for anyone using the river for recreation.
“This poses a big threat to our rivers and our water security. Rivers provide our drinking water and are important for health and wellbeing.”
The privatised water firms have come under growing pressure over fatcat pay and dividend bonanzas for shareholders – often overseas investors – as householders’ bills remain high.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has set up a taskforce to reduce sewage discharges.
Christine McGourty of industry body Water UK said: “Companies have a vital role in protecting homes and businesses from flooding.
“Combined sewer overflows play an important part. Though there’s currently no simple, effective alternative to overflows, firms are using natural innovative solutions to help keep rainwater out of the sewer.”
It is the second time in a week that environmental concerns have been raised over our rivers.
The Environment Agency reported chemicals from household products were found in every river in England.
In 2016, 97 per cent of rivers were judged to have good chemical status – although tests used are now tougher.
