Water companies facing legal action over sewage discharges
It's over allegations of underreporting pollution incidents and overcharging customers
Last updated 9th Aug 2023
Six English water companies are to face legal action over allegations of underreporting pollution incidents and overcharging customers.
Severn Trent, Thames Water, United Utilities, Anglian Water, Yorkshire Water and Northumbrian Water could 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. Professor Roberts also believes 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.
'The threatened claim is without merit'
Water UK refuted the allegations, saying that the vast majority 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".
Anyone who has paid a water bill to one or more of these companies from April 2020 may be entitled to compensation, if the claims are successful.
A spokesperson from Thames Water, which supplies Swindon, said: "TWUL is aware of a claim threatened by Professor Carolyn Roberts. TWUL has engaged cooperatively with Professor Roberts to explain that the threatened claim is without merit. No claim has yet been issued against Thames".