The number of pollution incidents caused by water companies in England has reached a ten-year high, according to data obtained by campaign group Surfers Against Sewage.
The data, sourced from the Environment Agency (EA), revealed that the number of incidents is now more than double the agency’s original target. These pollution events pose serious risks to wildlife and threaten the health of people using the country’s rivers and coastal waters.
Water UK, which represents water and sewage companies, said the industry plans to invest £12 billion by the end of the decade to tackle the issue.
In addition to tracking annual sewage spills, the Environment Agency records pollution incidents likely to cause significant harm.
Eight years ago, the EA criticised the water sector for its inadequate response, stating that the pollution was causing “distress to local communities and blighting rivers and beaches.”
A target was set for the industry to reduce these incidents by 40% by 2025 compared to 2016 levels.
However, new figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request show that 2,487 pollution incidents were recorded in 2024—a 31% rise from 2016 figures and nearly double the EA’s goal.
“The water industry fails, fails and fails again,” said Giles Bristow, CEO of Surfers Against Sewage.
He called for a reform of the system so that it “prioritises public health and value for customer money and delivers healthy coastlines, rivers and lakes.”
Water UK responded on behalf of the nine companies managing sewage in England, emphasising ongoing efforts to address the problem.
“We have been clear that the water system is not working and support the Independent Water Commission looking at every aspect of how the industry is regulated.
“However, no sewage spill is ever acceptable and water companies are investing £12 billion to almost halve spills from storm overflows by 2030,” Water UK said.
Most of the £12 billion investment is expected to come from increased water bills. From this month, customers will see their bills rise by an average of £31 annually over the next five years, not accounting for inflation, which could push actual costs even higher.
In response to mounting public anger over water company performance, the government established the Water Commission, an independent body tasked with reviewing industry regulation.
Sir Jon Cunliffe, the commission’s chairman and a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, invited submissions from the public.
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