The UK Government is introducing measures to strengthen regulation of the water industry in response to public outcry over sewage contaminating rivers, lakes, and seas.
Announced in the King’s Speech, the Water (Special Measures) Bill includes provisions to hold water company executives personally criminally liable for breaches of water quality laws. It grants new powers to the regulator Ofwat to prohibit bonuses if environmental standards are not met.
Additionally, the bill establishes a new code of conduct for water companies, enabling customers to summon board members and hold executives accountable. It introduces mechanisms for imposing automatic and significant fines for violations.
The legislation mandates the installation of real-time monitors at all sewage outlets, with data independently scrutinized by water regulators. Last year, the government had already mandated electronic monitoring of all storm overflows across England.
These measures, applicable to England and Wales, aim to address public anger over deteriorating river, lake, and coastal water quality, escalating water bills, and excessive dividends and bonuses paid by water companies.
Sewage spills from water infrastructure have contributed to the poor health of England’s rivers, with renowned areas like Windermere in the Lake District affected by pollution.
