- The Environment Agency (EA) conducted over 10,000 inspections of water company assets in the past year, marking a significant increase in scrutiny.
- These inspections uncovered more than 3,000 environmental breaches by water companies, indicating widespread failures to comply with environmental legislation.
- The EA issued over 3,000 demands for improvements, including necessary repairs to sewage works and upgrades to infrastructure.
- The substantial increase in inspections was facilitated by additional funding and the recruitment of 500 new staff for the Environment Agency.
- While the EA reports a slight decrease in sites with identified issues, campaigners argue that current penalties are inadequate and advocate for stronger reforms to hold water polluters accountable.
IN FULL
Water companies accused of more than 3,000 environmental rule breaches
