New data released by the Environment Agency on Thursday reveals that water companies in England discharged raw sewage into rivers and coastal waters 301,492 times in 2025 — an average of 826 spills per day — despite 2025 being one of the driest years on record.
The total spill duration exceeded 2.1 million hours, up 18% from 2024. The worst offenders were Thames Water (58,000 spills), Southern Water (42,000), and Severn Trent (38,000). All three are currently under investigation by Ofwat for potential enforcement action.
Environment Agency Chair Alan Lovell called the data 'appalling' and said: 'There is simply no excuse for this level of pollution in a dry year, when storm overflows should be operating less frequently.'
Government response and fines
Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced that the government will triple the maximum fine for water company violations to £500 million and will appoint a special commissioner to oversee Thames Water. 'This is environmental vandalism, and it ends now,' Reed said.
Water companies have blamed underinvestment in infrastructure. Thames Water, which is effectively insolvent, said it has submitted a £5 billion upgrade plan to Ofwat but needs regulatory approval to raise customer bills by 40% over five years.
This is environmental vandalism, and it ends now. Water company executives who break the law will face criminal liability.
Environmental groups are calling for public ownership of water assets. A petition with 350,000 signatures was delivered to 10 Downing Street on Thursday.
