Press statement: Huge increase in water company pollution incidents

Another year and another report from the Environment Agency that illustrates the ongoing, consistent poor performance of water and sewage companies in England, with pollution incidents up 60% in 2024 from the previous year.

With every announcement of this type, ever more rides on the final report from the Independent Water Commission. Even more important will be the reaction of Government to the recommendations in the review, and we will be watching closely to see the action that Defra takes and directs their regulators Ofwat and Environment Agency to take.

There is much that Government can do right now, and we need them to take action fast so that we can restore our rivers to health and provide an environment that is fit for the future and fit for today’s needs.

Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive