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<p>This Government has increased the number of storm overflows monitored across the
network from approximately 5% in 2016, to nearly 90% in 2021. By 2023 we will have
100% coverage.</p><p>Under our landmark Environment Act, we have significantly improved
transparency around storm sewer overflow discharges by making it a legal requirement
for companies to provide discharge data to the Environment Agency and by 2023 water
companies must make it available in near real time to the public. Our Environment
Act also places new duties on water companies to monitor the water quality impacts
up and downstream of all storm overflows and assets. Anglers will be able to use this
data to inform their decisions when choosing where to fish.</p><p>The use of storm
overflows is strictly set out in Environment Agency permits. If storm overflows operate
outside of permit conditions, the EA will take the strongest enforcement action possible.
Since 2015, the EA has brought 54 prosecutions against water companies, securing fines
of almost £140 million.</p>
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