Torrential rain across the country has caused emergency sewer overflows to be used, resulting in sewage being pumped into Somerset seas.

This weekend was particularly bad weather-wise, with Sunday being especially stormy, causing emergency sewer overflows to be used. This means sewage has been released into the sea at a number locations across the country.

Read more: Parts of UK hit with almost a month’s worth of rain in 48 hours

A map, which is based on live data from the Environment Agency and published by Surfers Against Sewage, shows where an alert has been issued.

The map shows two Weston-super-Mare locations have been affected.

Beaches affected by sewage discharges

Weston Main

Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.

Surfers Against Sewage says: “Two sewer overflows discharge directly into the sea here - one at the northern extent of the beach and one 2km to the south.

“The bathing water quality may also be affected by discharges from the surrounding urban catchment area.”

Weston-super-Mare Uphill Slipway

Pollution Alert: Storm sewage has been discharged from a sewer overflow in this location within the past 48 hours.

Surfers Against Sewage says: “A sewer overflow discharges into the sea at the southern end of the beach while sewer overflows from the surrounding urban area discharging into the River Axe and may affect water quality especially after heavy rainfall.”

The map tracks real-time combined sewage overflows (CSOs) and pollution risk forecasts (PRFs) to bring the latest information.

Read more: Sewage emptied at beaches in the North East

Why is sewage being dumped in the sea?

According to the Environment Agency, the UK has a network of "combined sewer overflows," designed to reduce the risk of sewage backing up during heavy rainfall.

It states that such overflows, often found at beaches, are needed to prevent the "inundation" of sewage works and the potential to flood communities.

It said that as a result, they continue to be a "necessary" part of the existing sewerage system, "preventing" sewage from flooding homes and businesses.

However, Surfers Against Sewage has said it has made the ending of sewage discharge into UK bathing waters by 2030 its ambition.

As a result, it has said alternatives such as "nature based" solutions and Government intervention could be used to help achieve their ultimate goal.