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Rivers and Seas Watch

Rivers and Seas Watch helps you stay informed about storm overflow releases across our region. We've included some useful resources here about the service and storm overflows, including videos, FAQs, and more information about tidal modelling.

Visit Rivers and Seas Watch
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How do I use Rivers and Seas Watch?

Rivers and Seas Watch has three main features: the map, the historic release table, and this supporting information. You can also sign up for email updates or send us feedback using the buttons at the top of the map.

View Rivers and Seas Watch

Icons and legend

Each of our individual storm overflows is represented with a circle, and designated bathing waters with location pin.

The bathing water pins act as an umbrella, containing all overflows  associated with it. If it is showing as red, the associated bathing water pin(s) will also be red.

Some overflows are associated with more than one bathing water.

Red: Release(s) in the last 24 hours

Amber: Release(s) in the last 72 hours

Green: No releases within the last 72 hours

Grey: Under maintenance

Interactive map

To use the map, simply locate the area or bathing water you’re interested in. You can do this by zooming in or using the search bar. Then click on:

  • An overflow circle to see details of any recent releases, the bathing water(s) it is associated with, and navigation to the historic release table.

  • A bathing water pin to see details of any recent releases associated with that bathing water, the overflow(s) associated with the bathing water, and navigation to the historic release table.
View Rivers and Seas Watch

Historic release table

Our Rivers and Seas Watch historic release table allows you to filter by date, bathing water, overflow, status and impact. You can also customise the table columns.

We also included the option to download results from the table, using the ‘actions’ button.

To see our annual storm release data, you can visit our Flow and Spill reporting pages.

Visit Rivers and Seas Watch

STEP 1

Release event created:
Our Event Duration Monitors (EDMs) detect a potential storm overflow release, which creates a release event.

STEP 2

Automatic review and display:
Our automated system analyses the release event data to decide if there was a genuine storm overflow release or whether it was a false alarm, immediately adding it to Rivers and Seas Watch.

STEP 3

Manual review:
We carry out manual investigations when the data from the sensors isn’t clear enough for an automated decision, and events are regularly checked for accuracy.

STEP 4

Update if needed:
If an event status, duration or impact is adjusted for accuracy, the release information is updated in Rivers and Seas Watch. This process – both automated and manual – allows us to provide the you with accurate near real-time information.

Further information

Genuine vs non-genuine releases

Our automated system flags potential non-genuine releases below a threshold, avoiding false alarms. If the threshold is surpassed, our spills team manually reviews and classifies events as 'Under Review' in Rivers and Seas Watch. Post-analysis, the team categorises genuine and non-genuine releases and updates Rivers and Seas Watch.

Tidal modelling

Tidal models predict storm overflow behaviour, factoring in wind, tide strength, and direction. Validated with survey data and dye tests, our models mimic real-world scenarios, ensuring accurate performance in predicting movement and dispersion.

Spatial data

We strive for precise location data for storm overflows and bathing waters. Using our permit database, Event Duration Monitors (EDMs), and network knowledge, we map overflows. Bathing water locations align with Environment Agency data, and we welcome feedback to enhance data accuracy.

Release notes

Find out what changes, bug fixes, and new features we’ve added to Rivers and Seas Watch.

Version [Version Number] - [Release Date]
Highlights:
[Brief overview of major features, enhancements, or changes introduced in this version.]
New Features:
...
Enhancements:
...
Bug Fixes:
...
Known Issues:
...
Additional Notes:
[Any additional information or instructions for users related to this release.]

Version [Version Number] - [Release Date]
Highlights:
[Brief overview of major features, enhancements, or changes introduced in this version.]
New Features:
...
Enhancements:
...
Bug Fixes:
...
Known Issues:
...
Additional Notes:
[Any additional information or instructions for users related to this release.]

Version [Version Number] - [Release Date]
Highlights:
[Brief overview of major features, enhancements, or changes introduced in this version.]
New Features:
...
Enhancements:
...
Bug Fixes:
...
Known Issues:
...
Additional Notes:
[Any additional information or instructions for users related to this release.]

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