Britain's sewage crisis spirals after surge in number of serious pollution incidents
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BRITAIN'S sewage crisis exploded last year with serious pollution incidents up by 60 per cent, damning stats reveal.
There were 75 major incidents in 2024, up from 47 in 2023.
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Thames Water was behind 33 of last year's incidents, while Southern Water caused 15, and Yorkshire Water logged 13.
It means the three firms caused 81 per cent of the most serious environmental damage.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed called the figures 'disgraceful' and a 'stark reminder' of how underinvestment and weak regulation had led to record sewage pollution.
He highlighted Labour's ban on bonuses for water bosses and a pledge of £104billion to upgrade failing sewage pipes.
READ MORE ON SEWAGE SPILLS
RECORD WATER FINE Thames Water hit with largest ever water company fine over sewage spills
And on Monday, he will receive an independent review of the water industry, paving the way for root-and-branch reform.
He is expected to promise to halve spills by 2030 and ensure bills do not spiral.
Sources say he could even scrap watchdog Ofwat — which has been criticised for failing to hold firms to account.
The Environment Agency report also revealed 2,801 total pollution incidents in 2024, up from 2,174 in 2023.
Raw sewage floods street of iconic Scots golfing town
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