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The environment secretary has made a commitment to significantly reduce the number of sewage discharges by water companies by 2030. This pledge comes in response to growing concern over pollution incidents and their impact on the environment. Recent data published by the Environment Agency revealed a 60% increase in serious pollution incidents by water companies in England in 2024, reaching the highest number on record.
The promise to cut sewage discharges in half by 2030 is part of a broader effort to enhance the water sector’s performance. In addition to this goal, the government plans to collaborate with devolved governments to ban plastic-containing wet wipes and reduce phosphorus pollution from treated wastewater by 50% by 2028 compared to 2024 levels. Concerns have been raised over the rise in sewage discharges into UK waterways along with escalating bills, while water company executives and shareholders have received substantial payouts.
The upcoming Water Commission review will provide recommendations on improving the environmental and financial aspects of the water sector, with the government set to respond in Parliament. Reports suggest that the regulator Ofwat may be scrapped, but the government has not confirmed this speculation. England’s combined sewage system faces challenges from increased rainfall, potentially overwhelming infrastructure and leading to serious pollution incidents that violate permits and legal obligations. Despite self-reporting by some companies, a significant number of sites inspected by the Environment Agency were found to be in breach of permits.
A record investment of £104 billion is slated for the water sector over the next five years to enhance infrastructure. This investment is expected to result in a rise in consumer bills, with Southern Water customers potentially facing an increase of up to £224 annually. The Environment Agency has received funding to support enforcement efforts against water companies, with fines retroactively covering these costs. The government faces calls for transparency on the sources of the £104 billion investment and credible proposals to enhance the water system’s resilience without imposing additional burdens on bill payers and taxpayers
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