'Disgraceful' amount of sewage still being dumped in English rivers, says environment secretary

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🗞️ Driving the news: New data reveals that sewage dumping in English rivers remains “disgraceful”, with only a 2.9% drop in spill events in 2024 compared to the previous year
• Despite efforts by water companies and regulatory pressure, the total duration of sewage spills actually increased slightly
• Environment Secretary Steve Reed and campaigners have condemned the ongoing pollution

🔭 The context: The Environment Agency has secured £10.2 billion from water companies for sewage reduction efforts, part of a broader £100 billion infrastructure plan
• However, critics argue that years of underinvestment and regulatory failure have left the system "still broken"
• The government’s new Water (Special Measures) Act allows for tougher penalties, including criminal charges and bonus bans

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Continued sewage pollution threatens aquatic ecosystems, public health, and the integrity of sensitive habitats like England’s rare chalk streams
• Campaigners stress that such prolonged pollution undermines the UK’s environmental targets and water safety
• Clean water is a cornerstone of ecological resilience and biodiversity

⏭️ What's next: The Office for Environmental Protection is investigating whether the government’s clean-up plans breach environmental law
• Long-term reforms to water regulation and industry structure are being explored by an independent Water Commission
• Public pressure is mounting for a systemic overhaul of water management

💬 One quote: "That's equivalent to 412 continuous years of sewage polluting our rivers, lakes and seas." — James Wallace, CEO of River Action

📈 One stat: Over 3.6 million hours of sewage spills were recorded from nearly 450,000 discharges in 2024

See here detailed sustainability performance of companies like United Utilities and Pennon Group

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