Rivers, lakes and seas are vital for sustaining life on earth. But as recent headlines will have told you, there is growing concern about their health, due in no small part to the use of storm overflows. These act like pressure release valves and divert excess wastewater to outfalls during heavy rain to stop it flooding into our streets and homes. But how exactly do storm overflows work? How do we limit their use? And what’s being done to conserve the health of our precious bodies of water? In this Decomplicated special, the Independent has teamed up with Wessex Water to try and unravel this complex issue and shed some light on what the future of water management might look like. Click here to subscribe to The Independent: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: null Videos, daily editorial and more: http://www.theindy.com/ Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Like The Independent on Facebook: https://www.fb.com/TheIndependentOnline Follow The Independent on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Independent Follow The Independent on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.independent Download the iOS & Android app: https://www.independent.co.uk/subscribe/app Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - https://www.independent.co.uk/donations Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: https://bit.ly/2MiOONB