Government issues Storm Water Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan policy
Date published:
September 8, 2022
Water companies will have to achieve targets set out in the plan:
Storm-overflows-discharge-reduction-plan
· by 2035, water companies will have to improve all storm overflows discharging into or near every designated bathing water; and improve 75% of overflows discharging to high priority nature sites
· by 2050, this will apply to all remaining storm overflows covered by our targets, regardless of location
Overflows that are causing the most harm will be addressed first to make the biggest difference as quickly as possible, and water companies will be expected to consider nature-based solutions in their planning.
The plans will be reviewed in 2027 to consider how to go further, taking account of innovation and efficiencies, and impact on bills.
More from the water sector
Find out how the UK water sector is informing, innovating, and influencing change
Future Water Awards 2026 – Nominations now open
Celebrate excellence in the UK water sector by nominating outstanding individuals and organisations for the 2026 Future Water Awards, recognising emerging talent, people, and above-and-beyond contributions.
WWT’s Drinking Water Quality Conference 2026
The WWT Drinking Water Quality Conference is back for its 11th edition, bringing together water quality leaders on 30 June – 1 July in Birmingham, to explore the latest developments in the drinking water sector, amid potential regulatory shifts.
Join WWT’s Drinking Water Quality Conference 2026 in Birmingham, 30 June - 1 July, exploring PFAS, regulation and innovation.
CEO Blog: If people can’t read It, why are you still writing it?
Infrastructure sectors often rely on complex jargon that excludes the public. With the UK’s average reading age at nine, clear, simple, and visual communication is essential to build understanding and trust.
UK utilities must simplify communication: with an average reading age of 9, jargon erodes trust. Plain English and visual storytelling can bridge the gap.