Overview

• The Environment Agency has opened 81 criminal investigations into water companies since July 2024, marking a 145% increase in probes following a 400% rise in inspections.
• Thames Water and Anglian Water are the primary targets, facing 31 and 22 investigations respectively, with other firms also under scrutiny for alleged sewage spills and permit breaches.
• New powers under the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 enable regulators to impose fines of hundreds of millions and jail executives for up to five years for obstructing investigations or environmental violations.
• Campaigners welcome the crackdown but express doubts about the likelihood of jail sentences for executives and warn that potential budget cuts to the Environment Agency could hinder enforcement efforts.
• The government has pledged to hold polluting companies accountable, with Environment Secretary Steve Reed emphasizing that firms will face consequences for their environmental misconduct.