Water companies suspected of illegally discharging sewage in 60% of England’s most beautiful spots

Analysis by The Telegraph has found that more than 60 per cent of areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) in England were suspected of having illegal sewage discharges last year.

Water companies are allowed to discharge sewage into UK waterways via overflow points to prevent water entering people's homes.

However, this is only intended to happen during exceptionally heavy rainfall. Any spills that occur on dry days are potentially illegal and will be investigated by the Environment Agency.

The Telegraph's analysis of the start and stop times of sewage overflow points at all nine English water and sewerage companies found ...