Northumbrian Water could face regulatory action after a burst sewer pipe led to the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea. Consequently, authorities prompted warnings for swimmers to stay out of the water along parts of the Teesside coast.
The incident began after a sewer main near Dockside Road in Middlesbrough, close to the River Tees, suffered a fracture requiring emergency repairs.
Northumbrian Water said the damage caused sewage to back up within the system. To relieve pressure and prevent sewage flooding homes and businesses, the company carried out what it described as “very controlled, heavily diluted discharges” through a storm overflow in Redcar. The company said there was potential that a third party may have been responsible for damaging the pipe, but provided no further details.
Following the discharge, bathing waters at Hartlepool, Marske, Redcar, Saltburn and Seaton Carew were all issued with temporary “bathing is not advised” warnings.
The Environment Agency said it had identified the incident as an “abnormal situation” and confirmed it has warned residents. A spokesperson said: “Northumbria Water are undertaking repair work and our teams are advising and monitoring the impacts from the discharge. Our officers are undertaking independent sampling and inspections.”
“We will not hesitate to take action, if appropriate, following an investigation into the incident.”
Northumbrian Water said the burst was first reported on Friday evening and that repair teams had been working around the clock since then. However, no detailed timeline was provided regarding when the discharges took place or why the public warning against swimming was not issued until Monday afternoon.
A spokesperson for Northumbrian Water said: “On Friday evening we were made aware of a burst on our Cargo Fleet sewage main near Dockside Road in Middlesbrough. Our teams attended quickly to assess the damage and carry out investigations. Since then, they have been working around the clock to carry out repairs.”
“Our teams have been carrying out regular sampling and environmental monitoring, and are also carrying out beach cleans. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but it is our only option to protect customers from the devastation that can be caused by internal sewage flooding.”
“We are working closely with the Environment Agency, as well as the local authorities and landowners, in order to resolve this as quickly as possible.”
Redcar and Cleveland Council leader Alec Brown criticised the situation, describing it as “simply not acceptable”. In a statement shared on social media, he said: “Our coastline is one of Redcar and Cleveland’s greatest assets, and people rightly expect to be able to enjoy it safely, particularly during the summer months.
“I have asked for regular updates on the emergency repair work and will be closely monitoring the situation with officers, the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water.”
He urged residents and visitors to avoid entering the water until authorities confirm it is safe.
Hartlepool Council also issued a public warning, describing the advice against swimming as a “precautionary measure”. Environmental campaign group Surfers Against Sewage also criticised the incident. Chloe Flood, from the organisation, said: “It’s the same old story. Broken pipes, broken promises, and a deluge of sewage pouring into our waters that makes us sick when we swim or surf.
“It has to stop.”
The incident comes as Northumbrian Water is also preparing plans for a major new wastewater infrastructure project on Teesside. The company recently revealed proposals for a long sea outfall that would transport treated wastewater from Bran Sands Treatment Works on Tees Dock Road in Middlesbrough and discharge it around 4.5 kilometres off the coast at Coatham, Redcar.
A planning application for the scheme is expected to be submitted next year.
The Environment Agency’s investigation into the latest discharge remains ongoing.
