UK Government and Regulators Found in Breach of Environmental Law Over Sewage Discharges

Watchdog investigation reveals unlawful sewage dumping by water companies enabled by regulatory failures, prompting calls for urgent reforms.

The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) ruled that the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environment Agency (EA), and Ofwat violated environmental laws by failing to regulate sewage discharges properly.
Combined sewer overflows (CSOs), designed for use only during exceptional weather, were found to be used unlawfully outside these conditions, contributing to widespread pollution in England's rivers and seas.
The watchdog issued notices to the public authorities demanding corrective actions within two months, with potential court action if compliance is not achieved.
Environmental campaigners argue that much of the sewage pollution could have been avoided if regulators had fulfilled their legal duties, with raw sewage harming ecosystems and public health.
Regulators and water companies are now under scrutiny, with proposed reforms, updated guidance, and increased investment in infrastructure to address the crisis.