Bathing sites hit by one million sewage spills in past five years in “national scandal”
EMBARGO: 00:01 Monday 4th May 2026
Designated bathing sites have been subject to over 1 million hours of sewage spills over the past 5 years in England, shocking new analysis by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said the situation was a “national scandal” and called for tangible action to make bathing sites safe for the public to use ahead of this summer, which is set to see record hot weather again.
While canoeing in West Sussex, the Liberal Democrat leader highlighted the importance of being able to enjoy British rivers and seas without putting your health at risk.
Data from the Environment Agency has shown that water companies continue to dump raw sewage with impunity. Designated bathing sites in England saw 145,606 hours (6,067 days) of sewage dumping in 2025.
New polling by Savanta commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has found that Brits are now fearful of swimming in UK waterways, with over half of all UK adults surveyed (53%) admitting they would feel uncomfortable swimming, or letting a loved one swim, in local waterways.
The Met Office is projecting more extreme weather as a result of higher average temperatures, yet this new polling shows Brits have lost confidence in enjoying waterways thanks to rampant sewage pollution threatening public health. Campaign group Surfers against Sewage reported 1,502 cases of sickness caused from water in 2025, despite most waters being rated good or excellent.
Bathing sites have been subject to over 1 million hours of sewage spills over the past 5 years in England, but without forcing water companies to report on spill volume, the true extent of sewage dumping is unknown. The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to make water companies report on spill volume, rather than duration, to stop them deliberately obscuring the level of pollution they cause.
Last year, the Government announced plans to replace Ofwat but months later no steps have been taken to begin this process. The Liberal Democrats have repeatedly called for the immediate replacement of Ofwat with a stronger, more effective regulator with the powers to finally hold water companies to account.
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:
“Our rivers and beaches are the pride of Britain — but this bank holiday, families are being forced to check whether their water company has dumped sewage nearby before letting their children swim.
“It's a national scandal. Parents shouldn't have to worry about their kids getting sick just for playing outside in the sunshine.
“Labour and the Conservative Party have ignored our communities while water companies poison our rivers and get away with it. The Liberal Democrats will not rest until this scandal is finally sorted.”
Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson Tim Farron MP added:
“We have given the Government countless cues to take action on this national scandal, yet they continue to move at a sluggish pace on any moves to reform the water industry.
"We cannot just sit idly by while yet more people get seriously ill when trying to enjoy British lakes, rivers and seas. The government must take immediate steps to replace Ofwat with a stronger, unified regulator.
“The Government must force the water companies to end the sewage cover up and bring in a regulator with real teeth to punish them for this scandal. Time is running out to clean up bathing sites so that Brits can enjoy them this Summer - without being hospitalised.”
ENDS
Notes to editors: