Storm overflow targets in England
The government’s Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan sets dates by which water companies must reduce harm from storm overflows.
What to do
Read the plan and its latest progress report for the current targets. Use the annual figures here to see how an outlet or company is doing now.
What the plan says
The plan was published in 2022 and expanded in 2023 to cover every storm overflow in England. By 2035, companies must improve all overflows discharging into or near designated bathing waters and at least 75% of those near high-priority nature sites. By 2045 this covers all high-priority sites, and by 2050 all remaining overflows.
The rainfall target
The plan says an overflow should not discharge more than an average of 10 times a year by 2050, measured over 10 years, and should cause no local adverse ecological harm.
What we do not judge
We do not say whether an outlet meets a target. The targets use averages over many years and ecological tests that one annual count cannot show.
Progress reports
Defra published a progress report on the plan in December 2025. Check it and the plan page for current figures and any changes.