Hundreds of sewage discharges activated across northern England as heavy rain hits

Sewage discharges have been activated at hundreds of locations across the UK as heavy rain and strong winds hit the country .

At the time of writing, data from The Rivers Trust stated there were 1,300 storm overflows discharging sewage across the UK, particularly in the south west and north of England.

The environmental charity also found there had been 1,400 discharges in the past 48 hours.

Each discharge alert means there could be sewage in the corresponding section of the watercourse.

The data is based on EDM monitors fitted to overflows, which measure the level of sewage.

Storm overflows are used to prevent sewers flooding homes, gardens and streets and are used to diverting some of the rainwater and untreated sewage water into watercourses. Water companies are permitted to ac