The Great British Sewage Dump

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One Essential Read

Recommended by Eve Watling, Picture Editor

Britain's sewage spills are toxic for the economy

Sea water drips off mussels and starfish on part of Europe's largest offshore mussel farm, off the Devon coast. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Britain's sewage system discharges untreated sewage into rivers and seas at alarming rates, while water bills continue to rise. Speak to people living by seas and rivers and you'll find despair over the apparent lack of investment by private water companies, and confusion over why nothing seems to be able to stop the endless flow of sewage.

This story also looks at the impact the issue has on British businesses that rely on clean seas. They now find themselves hampered by what should be a fixable problem, emblematic of the broader issue of why Britain's creaking infrastructure harms economic growth.

Read the photo essay

Behind the news

This story was photographed by Dylan Martinez, who travelled across the UK to find out how sewage spills affect different communities. He realised quickly that much sewage is invisible, creating a challenge for a photographer. He came up with a unique creative solution to visualise the pollution, thanks to an analogue camera and a five-litre bottle of sewage-contaminated water.

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