Two of the UK's largest water companies, Southern Water and Anglian Water, have been slapped with fines amounting to £2.65 million after admitting to illegal sewage discharges in environmentally sensitive areas of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The Environment Agency prosecuted the firms following a series of incidents where untreated sewage was released into protected waterways, including the Solent and Langstone Harbour. These breaches occurred between 2016 and 2019, with some discharges lasting for several hours.
Environmental Impact
The illegal discharges affected several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), threatening delicate ecosystems and protected species. The Environment Agency described the incidents as 'serious breaches' that could have long-term consequences for local wildlife.
Judge Nicholas Rowland, sentencing at Southampton Crown Court, stated that the companies had shown 'a significant degree of negligence' in their operations. The fines include £2 million for Southern Water and £650,000 for Anglian Water.
Company Responses
Both companies issued apologies following the sentencing. A Southern Water spokesperson said: 'We deeply regret these historic incidents and have invested significantly in improving our infrastructure since these events occurred.'
Anglian Water similarly acknowledged the breaches, stating they had 'learned valuable lessons' and implemented new monitoring systems to prevent future occurrences.
Regulatory Crackdown
The case comes amid growing public and political pressure on water companies to improve their environmental performance. The Environment Agency has pledged to take tougher action against pollution incidents, with several other water companies currently under investigation.
Environmental campaigners have welcomed the fines but argue that penalties need to be even higher to deter future violations. 'These fines must reflect the true cost of environmental damage,' said a spokesperson for the Marine Conservation Society.
