Water companies in England have announced plans to spend £10bn on tackling sewage spills, but have warned that customers could see a 'modest' rise in bills to cover the costs. The move comes amid mounting public anger over the discharge of untreated sewage into rivers and seas.
Campaigners have reacted with caution, with some accusing firms of shifting the financial burden onto billpayers. Musician and environmental activist Feargal Sharkey described the industry's apology as a 'half apology' and an attempt to extract more money from customers. 'We should have an apology for the suggestion they are going to put bills up by £10bn for their incompetence and their greed,' he told BBC Radio 4.
In 2022, raw sewage was dumped into waterways for 1.75 million hours, averaging 825 spills per day. Untreated sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illnesses in humans and harm wildlife. Water UK, representing the nine water and sewage companies, apologised for not acting quickly enough.
Environment Agency chairman Alan Lovell welcomed the apology but demanded a clear action plan. Water regulator Ofwat will review the spending commitment to assess its impact on consumers before approving any plans. The companies have faced criticism for continuing to pay shareholder dividends while proposing bill increases; English water firms have paid over £2bn a year on average to shareholders since privatisation.
Downing Street said water companies should prioritise consumers over profits. Marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage welcomed the apology but insisted investment must come from profits, not bills. The final decision on bill increases is expected by the end of 2024.
