Severn Trent one of six companies facing legal action over sewage discharges
It's over allegations of underreporting pollution incidents and overcharging customers.
Last updated 9th Aug 2023
Severn Trent is one of six English water companies to face legal action over allegations of underreporting pollution incidents and overcharging customers.
The other five companies - Thames Water, United Utilities, Anglian Water, Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water - could also end up paying a total of over £800 million in compensation to more than 20 million customers if the cases are successful.
Professor Carolyn Roberts, an environmental and water consultant represented by Leigh Day Solicitors, claims these water companies have broken competition laws by misleading the Environment Agency and the regulator Ofwat.
She alleges they have been underreporting the number of sewage discharges, resulting in customers being "unfairly overcharged" for wastewater services, and that had sewage discharge reporting been accurate it would have lowered customer bills.
The first claim, brought on behalf of eight million people against Severn Trent Water, is estimated to be worth more than £330 million.
Further claims will be brought against the other companies in what Leigh Day said is the first environmental collective action case of its kind.
Water UK said the accusations are "entirely without merit" and that 99% of sewage works are legally compliant.
Having reached out to Water UK for comment, a spokesperson said:
“This highly speculative claim is entirely without merit. The regulator has confirmed that over 99% of sewage works comply with their legal requirements. If companies fail to deliver on their commitments, then customer bills are already adjusted accordingly.”
A spokesperson from Severn Trent said:
‘This is a highly speculative claim with no merit which we strongly refute. Should pollutions ever occur, they are always reported to the Environment Agency. Any claim to the contrary is wholly and completely wrong.
“Our regulators, the Environment Agency and Ofwat, set strict targets and performance measures that deliver for our customers and the environment. Severn Trent is recognised as a sector leader by both regulators across operational and environmental measures. We consistently deliver for our customers, and recently received the highest 4* status for environmental performance from the Environment Agency for the fourth year running.”
Anyone who has paid a water bill to one or more of these companies from April 2020 - or April 2017 for Severn Trent Water customers - may be entitled to compensation if the claims are successful.