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Rivers and seas watch information

Rivers and Seas Watch is a near real-time web app to help you stay informed about storm overflow releases across our region. On this page you can find information on the Rivers and Seas Watch web app and storm overflows, including videos, FAQs, and explainers for topics like tidal modelling.

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How do I use Rivers and Seas Watch?

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

Icons and legend

Each of our individual storm overflow outfalls are represented with a circle, and our region’s designated bathing waters are represented with location pin.

The bathing water pins act as an umbrella, containing all outfalls that are associated with it. If one outfall associated with the bathing water is showing as red, it’s associated bathing water pin(s) will also be red. Some outfalls are associated with more than one bathing site; if a release from an outfall can impact the bathing site, then that outfall would be classed as associated with it.

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 site you’re interested in by zooming in or using the search bar, then;

  • Click on an outfall circle to see details of any recent releases, the bathing water(s) the outfall is associated with, and navigation to the historic release table.

  • Click on a bathing water pin to see details of any recent releases associated with that bathing water, the outfall(s) associated with the bathing water, and navigation to the historic release table.

Release history table

Our Rivers and Seas Watch release table allows historic releases to be filtered by date, bathing site, outfall, status and impact, you can also customise the table columns to your liking.

We believe in transparency and sharing of data, so we included the option to download results from the release table to a spreadsheet using the ‘actions’ button.

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

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 distinguishes genuine and non-genuine releases, updating Rivers and Seas Watch accordingly.

Tidal modelling

Tidal models predict storm overflow behavior, 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 overflow outfalls and bathing sites. Using our permit database, Event Duration Monitors (EDMs), and network knowledge, we map outfalls. Bathing site 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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