18-07-2025
‘Disgraceful' 60% rise in serious pollution by water firms
Serious pollution incidents caused by water firms in England rose by 60 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year, the Environment Agency reported.
There were 75 major or significant incidents (category 1 and 2) recorded last year, up from 47, with Thames Water, Southern Water, and Yorkshire Water accounting for 81 per cent of these.
The watchdog attributed the increase to persistent underinvestment in infrastructure, poor asset maintenance, and reduced resilience due to climate change.
Environmental groups and the environment secretary condemned the figures as 'disgraceful' and a 'national disgrace', highlighting the severe impact on England's waterways.
The data comes ahead of a landmark review of the water industry and follows calls for an overhaul of regulation, with new measures and increased funding planned to tackle pollution.
