'You can definitely smell it': United Utilities admits 'overflow' as sewage dumped into river after system reaches capacity

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Sewage was dumped into a river near Manchester city centre after the system 'reached full capacity' amid the thunderstorm on Sunday (June 18).

Residents living nearby have commented on the 'sewage smell' coming from the River Medlock near Deansgate Square as a video of the brown and murky-coloured water was shared on social media.

United Utilities have said that following the bout of heavy rainfall on Sunday night, the sewer system 'temporarily reached full capacity' meaning the 'unwelcome' overflow system kicked in. Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link This is when rain water, mixed with sewage, rises inside the sewer before eventually entering a separate pipe which then flows out into a river or the sea to 'prevent flooding of streets, homes and businesses.' United Utilities also added that despite wildlife fears caused by the sewage, they found 'no odour issues' and or any 'signs of dead fish' at the site and that a £3 billion programme to address this over the coming years is in the works.

But local resident Jonathan Schofield, who runs Manchester tunnel tours, has said this 'shouldn't be happening in 2023' as he raised concerns about how it could impact wildlife.