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The worst spots in Sussex for sewage overflow discharges in 2024 have been revealed. Newly released data shows the true extent of the sewage pumped out into England's seas and waterways. Environment Agency figures for 2024 show that storm overflows spilt sewage into rivers, lakes and the sea for more than 3.
61 million hours last year, a new record. While the number of spills was down slightly on 2023 figures (around 14,000 fewer incidents), average spills were longer in duration. Analysis of the data from Southern Water has revealed which areas in Sussex have suffered from the most hours of sewage overflow spills.
1. Lavant Wastewater Treatment Works , north of Chichester. 6,829 hours of spills across 287 incidents, discharging into the River Lavant.
2. Ham Lane Storm Tank , Lewes. 4,824 hours of spills across 259 incidents, discharging into the River Ouse.
3. Storm Tank on Hammerwood Road , Ashurst Wood, near East Grinstead. 4,130 hours of spills across 193 incidents, discharging into the Shovelstrode Stream.
4. Lidsey Wastewater Treatment Works , north of Bognor. 4,059 hours of spills across 226 incidents, discharging into Lidsey Rife.
5. South Harting Wastewater Treatment Works , north of Chichester. 3,583 hours of spills across 172 incidents, discharging into the River Rother.
6. Halland Wastewater Treatment Works , south of Uckfield. 3,549 hours of spills across 183 incidents, discharging into the Ridgewood Stream.
7. Singleton Pumping Station , north of Chichester. 3,206 hours of spills across 146 incidents, discharging into the River Lavant.
8. Ditchling Wastewater Treatment Works , near Hassocks. 2,652 hours of spills across 158 incidents, discharging into the Bevern Stream.
9. Littlehampton Wastewater Treatment Works in Sea Road. 2,604 hours of spills across 154 incidents, discharging into the sea.
10. East Grinstead Wastewater Treatment Works 2,536 hours of spills across 156 incidents, discharging into the River Dun. James MacCleary, Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, said: “Here in Lewes, residents are appalled by what’s happening to the Ouse, and the Cuckmere, not to mention our beautiful bathing spots, all while facing sky-high water bills.
“The government should act now to get a new regulator in place to protect our rivers and seas from being pumped with disgusting sewage. Ofwat must go. “In addition to this, Seaford Beach should have Blue Flag status and the Cuckmere deserves to be officially recognised as a bathing site.
"These designations aren’t just labels – they help ensure clean water and protect public health. Both are much-loved landmarks in our area and should be treated with the care and respect they deserve.” “I and the Liberal Democrats will continue to protect Lewes’ waterways and fight for much tougher regulation.
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