Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force
To reduce storm overflow releases, we need to find new and innovative ways to slow the flow of surface water into the sewer network. That's why we set up the Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force in 2021. We've tasked this team with driving down the use of storm overflows and we've got ambitious targets to meet.
How we're reducing the use of storm overflows
Over the next two years, the Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force will use nature-based solutions, infrastructure improvements and stormwater treatment to deliver several Pathfinder projects. These projects involve intervening in certain areas to slow the amount of surface water entering the sewer. The team is also working to prevent groundwater infiltration.
The task force will also be delivering a regional plan to reduce storm overflows between now and 2030. To achieve these targets, the task force is establishing strong partnerships across our region.
Most recent highlights
Sewer sealing in IOW and Pan Parishes
We've sealed over 2.5km of private pipes, 2km of our network, and 68
manholes to reduce groundwater infiltration. Installed 36 sewer level
monitors and 26 temperature sensors to monitor results. This has cut the use of tankers from up to 30 per day to zero despite record groundwater levels.
Less releases in Swalecliffe
We've changed permits and unlocked additional storage to allow us to
redirect and store an extra 450 litres of stormwater per second. This has reduced releases at our Swalecliffe Wastewater Treatment Works by 28%.
Installed sustainable drainage systems
We've installed sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in nearly 100 schools across the south, in partnership with the Department for Education. The SuDS have managed over 117 million litres of rainwater so far.
Beachbuoy
You can view storm overflow releases in our coastal areas using our Beachbuoy interactive map.
Beachbuoy shows near real-time information about storm releases and whether they may have affected bathing waters.
If you'd like to keep track, you can also subscribe to notifications for specific areas.
Our work in action
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Task Force updates
Here you can read about the Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force's latest activities. We publish updates approximately every six months.
Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force November 2023 Update
Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force January 2023 Update
Pathfinder Update April 2023
Storm Overflow Task Force May 2022 Update
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