Serious pollution by water companies rose by 60 per cent last year
The figures come days before the biggest review of water regulation in 36 years issues its recommendations for a shake-up.
The annual environmental performance assessment (EPA) by the Environment Agency found there were 75 serious pollution incidents in 2024, up from 47 in 2023. Several of the incidents affected swimming spots and protected waters that are crucial for wildlife.
More than four fifths of the serious pollution events were caused by three companies. Thames Water accounted for 33 incidents, Southern Water 15 and Yorkshire Water 13.
Serious pollution incidents are defined as the top two categories on a four-point scale, meaning they had a major or significant impact on the environment. Total pollution incidents, which includes all four categories, also climbed by 29 per cent to 2,801 last year.
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However, three water companies saw their total pollution incidents decline last year, including South West Water.
'This report demonstrates continued systemic failure by some companies to meet their environmental targets,' said Alan Lovell, chair of the EA. 'The water industry must act urgently to prevent pollution from occurring and to respond rapidly when it does.'
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The regulator blamed the overall increase in pollution last year on underinvestment in infrastructure, poor maintenance and the growing impact of climate change. Global warming is making Britain's winters warmer and wetter, which can exacerbate the risk of sewers and sewage treatment plant capacity being overwhelmed.
The Times is demanding faster action to improve the country's waterways. Find out more about the Clean It Up campaign on our Environment page
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