A deluge of sewage was pumped into Oxfordshire’s rivers and streams in the wake of Storm Henk.

Thames Water treatment plants on the River Thames, Cherwell, Evenlode, Windrush, and Ray, were dumping sewage via their storm overflows yesterday (Wednesday, January 3).

Some plants were discharging for more than 100 hours, according to the water company’s storm discharge map.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire: Sewage discharged for thousands of hours

It comes after heavy rainfall from Storm Henk raised water levels across the county, with rivers overflowing, roads flooding, and 34 flood alerts issued on Tuesday.

Sewage systems can struggle with the extra volume from continued rainfall, resulting in excess wastewater – which includes sewage – being discharged into waterways.

“I was up to my ankles in flood water in Islip yesterday, so I know water levels are exceptional,” said Calum Miller, the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Bicester and Woodstock, on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Still, this discharge map shows just how much sewage is dumped in our rivers. And explains why I saw toilet paper and other ‘items’ floating down the street. Grim.”

Charlie Maynard, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Witney, added: “Thames Water's underperformance is making Henk even more troublesome.

“Sewage spilling or coming back up into toilets at Dovecote and Bushey Ground in Minster Lovell, at Brize Norton and in Aston.

“As per the map, virtually every works in West Oxon and the Vale is now dumping sewage.”

A Thames Water spokeswoman said: “We regard all discharges as unacceptable and we have published plans to upgrade over 250 of our sewage treatment works and sewers.”