Clean Up Scotland’s Sewage
We want to stop pollution from sewer overflows.
Overview
Sewage pollution is dangerous to people and nature. Yet, there were over 100,000 spills from sewer overflows into Scotland’s rivers and coasts in 2025.1
We have a right to safe water. It is part of our human right to a healthy environment, and recognised by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as ‘a prerequisite for the realization of other human rights.’2
Together with community campaigns RAAG and SOSLeith, we are calling for better regulation and enforcement to Clean Up Scotland’s Sewage.
What are sewer overflows?
Much of Scotland’s urban areas have a Victorian-era sewer system which collects sewage and rainwater run-off in the same pipes. Sewer overflows were designed to prevent these sewers from flooding from extreme rainfall by discharging sewage into watercourses.
But now, sewer overflows are spilling routinely, not all have screens to stop sanitary waste, and some even spill in dry weather.
Clean Up Scotland’s Sewage Coalition
We are part of the Clean Up Scotland’s Sewage Coalition, which brings together community groups, NGOs and individuals demanding urgent action to protect people and nature from sewage pollution.
We campaign collectively under the banner ‘Clean Up Scotland’s Sewage’ to raise public debate and support for the immediate and long-term reforms needed to stop constant spills from sewer overflows. Our four calls are:
1. Make pollution visible
2. Stop routine pollution
3. Hold polluters to account
4. Build in resilience
Help us put sewage pollution on the map
Do you know a river, a loch or a beach polluted by sewage?
Maybe you saw a sewer overflow spilling into a river even though it had not rained recently, or tried to get your favourite beach cleaned up with no success.
Help us map pollution hotspots by writing a postcard and call on the Scottish Government to take action.
Explore the map below to see what others have written and check your nearest overflow. Our map includes both monitored and unmonitored overflows.
The postcards will be shared on our website and social media, and used as evidence for our advocacy with MSPs and the Scottish Government.
These postcards have been written by ERCS supporters and we welcome writers to share their thoughts and engage in debate on all aspects of environmental rights. The views expressed are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect ERCS’s position. ERCS is not responsible for the accuracy of any information supplied.
How to challenge sewage pollution?
Pollution in the Water of Leith by Cornell Hanxomphou.
Report sewage pollution
If you come across sewage pollution, note down evidence and report it to both SEPA and Scottish Water.
- SEPA pollution report form / hotline 0800 807060
- Scottish Water pollution hotline 0800 0778778
Contact our free Law Service for further support and legal advice, especially if you feel stuck.
Write to your MSP
Asking your MSP to meet at your local river, loch or beach is a good opportunity to discuss your concerns.
Use our template letter to request a meeting with your MSP. We are happy to support you every step of the way.
River Almond Action Group and SOSLeith have put their best tips together for you in the How to engage with your MSP pack.
Updates
Blogs & news
The harm of septic tank discharges & sewer overflows into the River Dee – G’s Voice for Justice
This Voices for Justice piece comes from G, a resident near the River Dee in Dumfries and Galloway. G highlights the issue of septic tank pollution in the River Dee and the challenge of addressing it …
Clean Up Scotland’s Sewage: Campaign update
This year is critical for tackling sewage pollution. In the last three months, we have been speaking to communities to hear their concerns, so we can push for better regulations …
Clean Up Scotland’s Sewage: Support our Earth Raise campaign
Between 22-29 April, we’re participating in the Big Give Earth Raise to help fund the next phase of Clean Up Scotland’s Sewage. Watch our 30-minute webinar to find out why your donation is so important …
Clean Up Scotland’s Sewage: World Water Day
This World Water Day on 22 March, join us in person in Edinburgh and online to send a clear message to the Scottish Government: Sewage pollution doesn’t just wash away with water, it needs action …
New campaign challenges politicians to clean up Scotland’s sewage – press release
A new national campaign to tackle sewage pollution in Scotland’s rivers and seas was launched on Saturday, supported by over 20 groups and organisations across civil society …
Bathing waters designation – murkier than ever?
Bathing water designation came to our attention when we were contacted by the River Almond Action Group (RAAG). In this blog, our Assistant Legal Officer Preslava Todorova analyses how, over two years after our representation to Environmental Standards Scotland, bathing water designation remains murkier than ever …
Resources
Get the latest updates
Join our mailing list to stay up to date on Clean Up Scotland’s Sewage.
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- United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (2002) General Comment No. 15: The right to water (arts. 11 and 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights), paragraph 1 ↩︎
