A PROFESSOR at the University of Reading has warned that the UK’s sewers are overflowing and that a barrage of storms have left the country at risk of further serious flooding.
This week the UK saw Storm Henk cause significant travel disruption and at least one person has died as a result.
Professor of Hydrology at the University of Reading Hannah Cloke has urged more investment in water systems, such as sewage, and warned that more extreme weather is likely on the way.
She explained that recurring storms last year have left the landscape saturated with water, which means that further rain is more likely to run into rivers and waterways.
This in turn makes them more likely to break their banks and cause flooding.
She has also warned that it will lead to continued issues with sewage, with a number of water providers (including Thames Water) facing scrutiny for the letting of sewage into waterways.
Water companies use storm overflow outlets when inclement weather requires, but this means that sewage is let into rivers as a result.
Professor Cloke explains that “creaky” sewer systems are in need of investment as climate change makes storms and heavy downpours increasingly likely to affect the UK.
Professor Cloke said: “The decorations have been taken down but the flood warning map of England is currently lit up like a Christmas tree.
“Storm after storm this autumn and winter has made Britain a sopping wet sponge and there is nowhere for any extra rain to go.
“After Storm Henk formed late in the Atlantic and hit us on January 2, all that extra water is running straight off the landscape and our rivers are swelling up like the beautiful monsters they can be.”
She explained: “Forecasts suggest we will have some respite from the rain by the weekend but, larger rivers like the Severn are predicted to continue to rise today (January 4).
“The sun may come out but the waters could still be rising, so everyone should be checking for flood alerts.”
She warned: “People should be very careful not to drive or walk through flood water. It is extremely dangerous. Even if you see other people doing it, don’t follow them.
“You should stop and turn around–the water may look shallow there, but it doesn’t take much to float a car and you could easily be swept away.”
“Unfortunately in these extreme conditions, and due to the creaky nature of our sewers, there will be raw sewage getting into the water everywhere.
Professor Cloke added: “It is a reminder that we need to invest a lot more into our water system to deal with increasing risks of flooding in the years ahead, which we know is likely to get worse.
“Mild, warmer winters, heavier downpours of rain, and storms that hit us week after week are all examples of the impact of climate change that are increasingly affecting the UK right now.
“This should be a reminder of the need to adapt our cities and infrastructure to deal with this hotter, more hazardous climate.
“It shows a small taste of the enormous costs we are building up in the years ahead if we fail to bring down emissions fast enough.”
