Serious pollution incidents by water companies in England soared by 60% in 2024, with 2,801 incidents recorded compared to 2,174 in 2023, marking the highest on record, according to the Environment Agency. Of these, 75 incidents were classified as causing “serious or persistent” harm to fisheries, drinking water, and public health, up from 47 the previous year. The data, released ahead of a pivotal Water Commission review on Monday, has sparked outrage, with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) labeling the situation “woeful” and accusing regulators of being “missing in action.”

The majority of severe incidents were attributed to three companies: Thames Water (33 incidents), Southern Water (15), and Yorkshire Water (13). Thames Water, the worst offender, saw its serious pollution cases double and faced criticism for inadequate reporting to the Environment Agency. River Action CEO James Wallace called the figures a “national disgrace,” urging special administration for Thames Water to address its persistent failures.

England’s combined sewage system, which processes both rainfall and sewage, was strained by higher rainfall in 2024, potentially overwhelming infrastructure. However, serious pollution incidents violate companies’ legal permits. The Environment Agency’s 4,000 inspections last year found nearly a quarter of sites non-compliant, highlighting systemic issues. The PAC criticized the Environment Agency and Ofwat for failing to ensure infrastructure maintenance, noting it would take 700 years to replace the water mains network at current rates.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed called the figures “disgraceful,” blaming years of underinvestment and lax regulation for the record sewage spills. Water UK admitted that some companies’ performance was subpar, citing underinvestment as a key driver. The industry missed its 2025 target to cut pollution by 40% from 2016 levels, with 2024 incidents more than double the goal. Water UK attributed infrastructure failures to Ofwat’s focus on keeping bills low, but a planned £104 billion investment over five years will raise consumer bills by an average of £123 annually, with Southern Water customers facing up to £224.

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, PAC chair, blamed water companies for diverting funds to investors and debt servicing instead of upgrading infrastructure like sewage treatment plants and leaky pipes. The upcoming Water Commission report, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, is expected to propose sweeping reforms, potentially including scrapping Ofwat, though the government declined to comment on speculation. Cunliffe previously highlighted “deep-rooted, systemic” failures and called for stronger, proactive regulation akin to financial sector oversight.

The crisis underscores the urgent need for accountability and investment to protect England’s waterways from escalating ecological damage.