Sewage released at four beaches across the conurbation

Wessex Water’s coast and rivers watch service confirmed that sewage was discharged at Bournemouth Pier, Shore Road beach in Poole, and at Avon Beach and Friar’s Cliff in Christchurch.

The storm overflows, which function automatically, follow heavy rain and thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon.

It was also flagged that sewage had been discharged at the same beaches, and at Branksome Chine in Poole, on Friday, October 21.

Wessex Water says that the overflows are necessary to protect properties from flooding and to prevent sewage from overflowing into streets and homes.

Wessex Water’s coast and rivers watch service map (Image: Wessex Water website)

Last month, a spokesperson for the water company said: “Storm overflows are permitted by the Environment Agency and operate automatically, releasing mostly stormwater during or after intense rainfall to prevent flooding in people’s homes.

“Wessex Water is the only UK water and sewerage company to provide overflow discharge alerts 365 days a year, with complete coverage of all bathing waters in our area, and we notify Surfers Against Sewage ourselves.

“Every month we’re investing £3million on storm overflows, starting with those that discharge most frequently or have any environmental impact.”