Combatting storm overflow pollution
Combined sewer overflows (CSOs), storm tanks and pumping station overflows are collectively known as intermittent discharges. During periods of heavy rainfall, they serve as relief points for hydraulically overloaded sewer networks to prevent flooding of properties and buildings and to protect wastewater treatment works.
When storm overflows spill, diluted storm sewage enters the environment, impacting the chemical and microbiological water quality of receiving and downstream water bodies. Effective Urban Pollution Management (UPM) diminishes the environmental harm and ensures that water company discharges allow rivers and coasts to comply with Environment Quality Standards.
