UK River Report #2: unfit conditions and government missions

Welcome back dear reader to the second installment of the UK River Report. In this month’s post, I shall be covering some of the greater challenges facing UK rivers as a whole and the apparent mismatch between government action and the demands of pressure groups and individuals worst affected by river pollution. 

Bathing Site Blight:

Earlier this week, it was announced that the number of monitored bathing waters in England rated poor and unfit for swimming has more than doubled since last year, determined via testing of bacterial levels associated with sewage discharges. [1] Although the Environment Agency argued the results are in part due to more new sites being monitored than previously and historical evidence does suggest that bathing water quality has improved since the 1990s, the fact that regulators have failed to protect our waterways from polluters cannot be ignored. [1] However, the regulator Ofwat has proposed an increase in water bills by 21% between 2025-2030 - 12% less than the water industry’s desired figure - to allow for an investment fund to improve sewage infrastructure. [2] 

While the government blames the role of England’s water companies in the ‘unacceptable’ pollution of our waterways, it remains contentious as to whether failings in regulation, or the actions of water companies themselves, is of greater importance when it comes to managing sewage discharges. [1]

Too little, too late?

On 23rd October 2024, the government launched its largest review of the water sector since privatisation. [3] The Independent Water Commission will consider nearly all options, including potentially reforming or scrapping Ofwat, with the private sector to provide the necessary investment to upgrade the UK’s pipes, sewers and reservoirs to cope with the rising population and climate change. [4] Stakeholders - sector representatives and environmental pressure groups alike - have generally welcomed the review, which will likely increase customers’ bills in order to attract private capital into the sector. [4] However, there is uncertainty as to the extent of this rise, considering Ofwat is already expected to exceed its 21% limit for water companies that it set out in July. [4] We must wait until the end of the year for any final outcome. [4] 

Some stakeholders also feel the government has overlooked what is considered to be the root cause of the failing water sector and current sewage crisis: the privatisation of the sector. [4] The government has ruled out re-nationalisation of water companies as being too costly and time consuming, even though public ownership would afford better stability in the sector and prioritise the provision of adequate services over raising capital to pay dividends. [4, 5] This has led to fear that the Commission will not ultimately address the failings in regulation and governance underpinning the challenges in the sector. Not-for-profit organisation ‘We Own It’ go as far as to describe the strategy as the ‘re-privatisation’ of the water industry, as YouGov data for this year outlines the majority of Britons are in favour of nationalising water and other utilities, suggesting the government is in part out of touch with the electorate. [4, 6]

Considering the monumental challenges facing all our waterways, the government is evidently taking steps in the right direction, although there remains much to do as the sewage crisis continues to jeopardise human and environmental health alike. With England’s privatised water companies having released raw sewage for 3.6 million hours in 2023 -  double that of the previous year - it is clear the problem is only worsening. [7]

Therefore, the role we all play in addressing this crisis is ever more important. From supporting a local campaign group, to expressing your concern online, your voice will not be lost in the noise, but rather strengthen it, helping to hold polluters and regulators accountable and to insist the government takes meaningful action. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this month's issue of the UK River Report. I hope you found it informative. If you'd like to get involved and raise awareness of river pollution in your area, please head over to the UK River Report website and check under the 'Get Involved' page to complete our survey, or feel free to get in touch via the 'Contact' page, if you feel you have more to discuss than the survey can offer. 

With hope for the future,

Federico 

References:

1. Fisher J. Sharp Rise in Bathing Sites Rated Unfit for Swimming. BBC; 2024. [cited 2024 November 29]. Available from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy4qw2j3n4o

2. [no author available]. Water bills: How much will I have to pay? BBC; 2024. [cited 2024 November 30]. Available from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmm26e1qpzgo

3. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Welsh Government, Hardy E, Reed S. Governments Launch Largest Review of Sector Since Privatisation. GOV.UK; 2024. [cited 2024 November 30]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/governments-launch-largest-review-of-sector-since-privatisation

4. Jack S, Hooker L. 'Sorry' Water Boss Has Plan to End Sewage Spillages. BBC; 2024. [cited 2024 November 30]. Available from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8elewdzy59o

5. We Own It. England's Bathing Water Amongst the Worst in Europe. We Own It; 2024. [cited 2024 November 30]. Available from: https://weownit.org.uk/england-amongst-worse-in-europe

6. Smith M. Support For Nationalising Utilities and Public Transport Has Grown Significantly in Last Seven Years. YouGov; 2024. [cited 2024 November 30]. Available from: https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/50098-support-for-nationalising-utilities-and-public-transport-has-grown-significantly-in-last-seven-years

7. Jack S. The Water Industry is in Crisis. Can it be Fixed? BBC; 2024. [cited 2024 November 30]. Available from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0qdev4vyl5o