In the context of sewage spills, what does the term "overflow" refer to?

In the context of sewage spills, "overflow" specifically refers to the uncontrolled release of sewage. This term is commonly used to describe incidents where the sewage system exceeds its capacity or is compromised in some way, leading to sewage being expelled into the environment rather than being properly processed through the treatment facilities. Overflows can occur due to various factors, such as system failures, heavy rainfall, or blockages, which exacerbate the situation and result in significant public health and environmental concerns. Recognizing overflow as an uncontrolled release highlights the urgency and severity of addressing such incidents within wastewater management and environmental protection.