Serious Pollution Incidents by English Water Companies Rise 60% in 2024

Serious Pollution Incidents by English Water Companies Rise 60% in 2024
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Serious pollution incidents caused by English water companies increased by 60% in 2024, The Guardian reported based on Environment Agency data. There were 75 serious incidents last year, up from 47 in 2023. These incidents involve significant environmental damage, such as mass fish deaths in rivers.

Three companies were responsible for 81% of serious pollution events: Thames Water (33 incidents), Southern Water (15), and Yorkshire Water (13). Thames Water’s serious incidents more than doubled from 14 to 33. Overall, there were 2,801 pollution incidents in 2024, a 29% rise from 2,174 in 2023. Thames Water also led in total incidents with 523, followed by Anglian Water (482) and United Utilities (376).

Critics, including James Wallace of River Action, called for urgent government intervention, arguing the rise in pollution reflects systemic failure and threatens ecological collapse. Thames Water’s CEO acknowledged the company’s challenges, citing blockages, heavy rainfall, and hydraulic overload as causes, and requested relief from fines to focus on financial recovery.

The Environment Agency chair, Alan Lovell, highlighted ongoing regulatory tightening and increased enforcement. Meanwhile, a Public Accounts Committee report revealed water companies must invest around £12 billion over five years to upgrade sewer systems, but this will only address 44% of sewage overflows. The report urged the government to distribute fines collected from polluters to fund environmental improvements.

Southern Water and Yorkshire Water both reported steps to reduce pollution and invest in infrastructure to prevent future incidents.