England's Water Pollution Soars to 10-Year High with 2,400 Incidents, 30% Increase; Calls for Reform Amid £123 Bill Hike and £1.2bn Dividends

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Updated Apr 16, 2025, 09:14 AM

Water companies in England recorded over 2,400 pollution incidents last year, marking the highest number in a decade and exceeding the Environment Agency's target by more than double. The increase in pollution incidents, up by 30% from the previous year, has been attributed to sewage discharges into rivers and seas, which have reached record levels of 4 million hours. Campaigners, including Surfers Against Sewage, have reported that these incidents have led to 1,853 sickness reports, with hundreds of people feeling unwell due to exposure to contaminated water. The group has highlighted the severe impact of these pollution events on public health and the environment. Amidst rising pollution, water companies have also increased customer bills by an average of £123. In the fiscal year 2023-24, shareholders received dividends totaling £1.2 billion, despite the ongoing pollution issues. This has sparked calls for nationalization and reform of the water industry, with Feargal Sharkey advocating for the removal of profit margins and a breakup of the companies. The government has acknowledged the need for action, with Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood responding to the prospect of reform. However, specific plans for addressing the pollution crisis have not yet been detailed.

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#England #Environment Agency #Surfers Against Sewage #Feargal Sharkey #Lilian Greenwood

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Sources

bbc.com(3)bbc.co.uk(3)theguardian.com(2)weownit.org.uk

Good Morning Britain

@GMB

'We are determined to act on this.' Richard challenges Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood about the prospect of the government taking a 'root and branch reform of our water system'. https://t.co/9LDQbQOyuR

BBC News (UK)

@BBCNews

England water pollution at 10-year high, campaigners say https://t.co/oXIllJLoPQ

We Own It

@We_OwnIt

We are literally sick of this crap! 1,853 reporting sickness from pollution 🤢 4 million hours of sewage discharged 💩 Average water bills rising by £123 💸 If you’re sick of this too, tell the government to bring water into public ownership NOW. 👇🏼 https://t.co/sQnqFXaJQW https://t.co/qczv2wIdrl