Three water companies are facing a combined record fine of £168m after a series of failings, including over sewage treatment. Thames Water, Northumbrian Water and Yorkshire Water were issued the penalty by regulator Ofwat. Thames was facing a fine of £104m. It follows an investigation into the firms' management of their sewage treatment works and wider networks. There has been increasing concern over pollution of the UK's rivers and coastlines in recent years.
Analysis of Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs data suggested sewage was dumped into rivers, lakes and beaches designated 'safe to bathe in' an average of 86 times a day in 2023. Environment Agency figures also showed untreated sewage discharges doubled from 1.8 million hours in 2022 to a record 3.6 million in 2023. Several water companies have also come under growing scrutiny over their financial health and plans to increase bills.