Sewage spilled directly into Scotland’s rivers, lochs and seas at least 12,000 times in one year, new figures obtained by The Ferret have revealed, but the true figure is likely much higher.

Data obtained via a freedom of information request shows that there were 12,238 ‘overflow events’ from Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTWs) and Sewage Pumping Stations (SPS) reported by Scottish Water in 2020. This means sewage is discharged directly into Scotland’s waters, including the Clyde, the Leve4n and the Endrick, which are home to habitats for rare and important species and others used by swimmers, surfers and anglers.

Scottish Water says it is necessary at times, such as when the system is overwhelmed by heavy rainfall. However, campaigners have described the figures as “shocking,” warning that the discharges are “incredibly damaging to both the environment and human health”.

The figures are likely to be a significant under-estimate of the true number of sewage overflows, as Scottish Water is only required to monitor a relatively small number of these locations – just 101 of Scotland’s total of 3641 ‘combined sewer overflows’ or ’emergency overflows’.

The full investigation report is on The Ferret website.

Picture: Wild flowers on the shore near Havoc sewage works in Dumbarton.