Analysis conducted by the Observer reveals that water providers in England and Wales have experienced an average of five significant sewage spills into rivers and oceans per day over the previous ten years. According to data from the Environment Agency, from 2013 to 2022, ten companies reported a total of 19,484 pollution events classified as category 1-3. This means that on average, there was one spill every four and a half hours.
Thames Water was identified as the most egregious offender with 3,568 instances, followed by Southern Water with 2,747 incidents, Severn Trent with 2,712 incidents, and Anglian Water with 2,572 incidents. Although the majority of incidents were classified as category 3, which suggests that the effects were limited to certain areas, activists contend that the actual magnitude is probably underestimated because firms tend to report issues themselves.
The Environment Agency’s capacity to authenticate these reports has been hindered by a lack of personnel and financial reductions, resulting in diminished supervision of less significant occurrences. An investigation conducted by the BBC last year revealed that United Utilities had reduced the seriousness of numerous incidents, so avoiding additional scrutiny.
The condition of waterways in the UK has emerged as a crucial matter in the approaching general election. Steve Reed, the shadow environment secretary of the Labour party, expressed disapproval at the Conservative government’s lack of action. He promised that if Labour were in power, regulators would be given the authority to prohibit bonuses and press criminal proceedings against water executives who display negligence.
Tim Farron, the spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats on environmental issues, criticised the track record of the Conservative party, specifically pointing out the increase in sewage levels and the profits of water companies. The Liberal Democrats advocate for the establishment of a fresh water regulatory body and the implementation of more stringent regulations on bonuses and profits.
In spite of heightened examination, water company executives have persistently obtained significant bonuses, amounting to more than £25m since the previous election, which encompass incentives for achieving environmental objectives.
“This provides additional proof of a widely held belief: water companies are causing severe pollution in our rivers and seas on a massive scale, on a daily basis,” stated Giles Bristow, the CEO of Surfers Against Sewage.
The Conservative government maintains that it has implemented unparalleled transparency measures and set substantial penalties on those who violate the rules. Water UK, which represents the sector, asserts a decrease in significant pollution events and proposes a £100 billion investment that is awaiting regulatory approval.