Sewage Crisis: UK's Waterways Under Threat

British water companies released untreated sewage into waterways for a record 3.6 million hours in 2024. The scandal has led to a sector review by the government and calls for increased customer bills to address outdated infrastructure. Progress is being made, but challenges remain.

In 2024, Britain's water companies discharged untreated sewage into national waterways for a record 3.6 million hours, marking a slight increase from the previous year, according to official figures released on Thursday.

The situation has spurred a major scandal, with companies accused of prioritizing dividends over infrastructure investments. In response, the Labour government initiated a sector review, while the regulator Ofwat proposed a 36% rise in customer bills to fund necessary improvements over the next five years.

Despite the urgency, water companies caution that significant impacts will take time. The Environment Agency's data showed South West Water as the major offender, discharging sewage for 544,439 hours. The company is implementing a 15-year plan to mitigate the issue, particularly at key tourist beaches and high-spill sites.

(With inputs from agencies.)