Serious pollution incidents from water firms up 60% last year, watchdog says
‘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.