The Environment Agency has significantly increased its oversight of water companies, completing over 10,000 inspections of assets such as treatment works, sewage pumping stations, and storm overflows in the past year. These inspections uncovered more than 3,000 breaches of permit conditions, prompting enforcement actions that included repairing facilities and upgrading infrastructure.
With its largest-ever water enforcement workforce and record funding, the regulator has enhanced scrutiny of the sector, resulting in a decline in issues found during site visits from 25% to 22%, indicating improved compliance. The inspections are part of a wider strategy, including the Water Industry National Environment Programme and new enforcement powers under the Water Special Measures Act, aimed at preventing pollution, ensuring adherence to permit standards, and promoting long-term improvements in water company performance.
This proactive approach is already driving better behaviour, with companies investing in maintenance staff and infrastructure upgrades. The Environment Agency’s actions, coupled with the upcoming mandatory Pollution Incident Reduction Plans, aim to secure a cleaner, more sustainable water system, reduce environmental impact, and hold persistent offenders accountable.
