https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/new-data-exposes-bankruptcy-britains-privatised-water-model
A tanker pumps out excess sewage from the Lightlands Lane sewage pumping station in Cookham, Berskhire which flooded after recent heavy rainfall, January 10, 2024Water companies record worst-ever environmental performance in England as serious pollution incidents increase by 60% in 2024, Environment Agency finds
EMBATTLED water companies have recorded their worst-ever environmental performance in England, with serious pollution incidents up 60 per cent last year, data from the Environment Agency revealed yesterday.
Thames Water, Southern Water and Yorkshire Water were responsible for 81 per cent of all serious incidents, while Thames Water alone saw cases more than double.
Northumbrian and Wessex Water were the only companies with none.
The agency said only Severn Trent achieved the top four-star rating for 2024, while all nine water and sewage firms in England collectively earned just 19 out of a possible 36 stars — the lowest since the annual performance system began in 2011.
The regulator said the decline marked the end of over a decade of gradual improvement.
Serious pollution incidents causing significant environmental harm rose to 75, their highest since 2013.
The agency partly blamed extreme weather, which strained ageing infrastructure, but said “this is never an excuse.”
It also cited long-term underinvestment and poor maintenance.
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