Overview

• In 2024, England recorded 2,487 pollution incidents, a 30% increase over the previous year and double the target set by the Environment Agency.
• Sewage discharges lasted over 3.61 million hours in 2024, the longest duration in recorded history, despite a slight reduction in spill counts.
• Public health impacts include 1,853 sickness reports linked to sewage pollution, with 331 doctor visits and illnesses attributed to contaminated water.
• Households face significant water bill hikes, averaging £86 this year, as companies plan a £104 billion infrastructure upgrade to address pollution.
• Critics demand radical reform of the privatized water system, citing environmental damage, health risks, and shareholder payouts despite underperformance.