Record 81 criminal investigations launched into sewage and pollution by water firms
Environment Agency doubles down on enforcement amid public anger over dirty waterways
A record 81 criminal investigations have been launched into environmental breaches by UK water companies, as the government attempts to crack down on widespread illegal sewage discharges and pollution.
The Environment Agency has more than doubled the number of criminal investigations since the general election in July 2024, following a 400% increase in inspections of water company premises and rivers over the past year.
New figures show an average of nine investigations per month since the election—up from 3.6 per month in the previous four years.
Labour says it's a strong message for water companies
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the move sends a strong message: “Water companies have too often gone unpunished as they pump record levels of sewage into our waterways. No more.
“A record number of criminal investigations have been launched into law-breaking water companies – which could see bosses behind bars.
“With this Government, water companies who break the law will finally be punished for their disgraceful behaviour so we can clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.”
The surge in enforcement comes amid growing national outrage over polluted rivers, executive bonuses, and rising water bills from privatised utilities.
What are the water companies being investigated for?
Criminal breaches include illegal sewage spills and failures to monitor water quality, both of which are prosecutable offences. Under new legislation, company bosses who obstruct investigations could face up to two years in prison. The most serious cases may lead to five-year jail terms and multi-million pound corporate fines.
Thames Water leads the list with 31 open investigations, followed by Anglian Water with 22, according to figures from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Environment Agency.
What do the water companies say?
Industry body Water UK responded to the developments, saying: “It is right that water companies are investigated and held to account when things go wrong.
“Almost 99% of sewage and water treatment works meet their permits and we are focused on getting to 100%.”