SEWAGE has been released into the sea at three beaches across Bournemouth and Christchurch following a weekend of rainfall.

Wessex Water have confirmed that storm overflows were automatically operated after heavy rain on Saturday, July 8.

The beaches affected include Fisherman’s Walk in Bournemouth, Christchurch Avon Beach and Friars Cliff, Christchurch.

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) were notified by Wessex Water when the storm overflows were used and shared this to the public via their interactive map.

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SAS reported that Fisherman’s Walk has a sewer overflow that discharges into the sea directly in front of the beach.

However, Friars Cliff and Christchurch Avon Beach do not have a direct sewer overflow but are surrounded by discharge areas.

All three beaches have been issued with a sewage pollution alert from Surfers Against Sewage, meaning bathing water quality may be affected.

Last month, five beaches were polluted in Bournemouth, Boscombe and Christchurch after the Met Office issued a weather warning for heavy rain.

Wessex Water have previously said that storm overflows are necessary to protect properties from flooding and to prevent sewage from overflowing into streets and homes.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “Storm overflows operated automatically following heavy rainfall, releasing predominantly rainwater after sewers had become overwhelmed.

“Although overflows are licensed by the Environment Agency to protect properties from flooding, we’re committed to reducing how often they operate and are investing more than £3 million every month on schemes to improve them.”