Campaigners have noted that water pollution levels in England have reached a 10-year high, based on data obtained from water companies. The number of serious pollution incidents reported has surpassed double the target set by the Environment Agency. These incidents have the potential to cause harm to wildlife and pose health risks to individuals utilizing the rivers and seas across the country. In response to these concerning findings, Water UK, representing water and sewage companies in the UK, has announced plans to invest £12 billion to reduce pollution incidents by the end of the decade.
The Environment Agency not only tracks the total sewage spills annually but also records the number of severe pollution incidents that could result in significant harm to both wildlife and people. In the past, the EA criticized the water sector for not doing enough to decrease serious pollution incidents, causing distress to local communities and negatively impacting rivers and beaches. Despite setting a target to reduce these incidents by 40% by 2025 compared to 2016 levels, recent data shows a significant increase in pollution incidents, prompting calls for a system overhaul to prioritize public health and environmental preservation.
Water UK responded to the findings on behalf of the nine companies responsible for sewage management in England, acknowledging the imperative need for reform within the industry. The investment of £12 billion to reduce spills from storm overflows by 2030 will be largely funded through water bill increases. The regulatory body Ofwat has permitted water companies to raise bills by an average of £31 annually over the next five years, excluding inflation, which indicates that actual bills may rise further. The Independent Water Commission, established by the government to evaluate industry regulation amidst public discontent with water company performance, is currently accepting submissions from the public until the following week under the leadership of Chairman Sir Jon Cunliffe, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England
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