Northumbrian Water facing HUGE fine for 'catalogue of failure' on sewage pollution
Northumbrian Water is one of three companies facing big fines for the amount sewage they've released into waterways.
The Water Services Regulation Authority, or Ofwat, says it should pay £17 million.
It follows a landmark probe, with Thames Water and Yorkshire Water also being penalised.
Ofwat chief executive David Black called the three firms' records of polluting rivers and waterways "a catalogue of failure".
He said: "Our investigation has shown how they routinely released sewage into our rivers and seas, rather than ensuring that this only happens in exceptional circumstances as the law intends."
Water companies have faced public outrage over the extent of pollution, and at a lack of investment in water infrastructure, rising bills, high dividends and executive pay and bonuses at privatised water firms.
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The UK Government's environment secretary Steve Reed has welcomed the punishment.
He said: "The unacceptable destruction of our waterways should never have been allowed - and it is right that those responsible for illegally polluting our rivers, lakes and seas face the consequences."
He added that the Government plans to "fundamentally reform the water sector" via a new Bill announced last month.
A Northumbrian Water spokesperson said they are "very disappointed" with the fines, adding that the firm is "working really hard to continue to deliver for customers and the environment."
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