The head of England's most polluting water company, United Utilities, has admitted to Members of Parliament that the firm "isn't good enough" at preventing sewage dumping. Louise Beardmore, the company's chief executive, made the admission while defending her £1.4 million pay package, which includes a £420,000 bonus. This comes despite United Utilities being identified as the worst polluter in 2023, with a history of significant spills, including those in Lake Windermere.
Beardmore attributed the increase in pollution incidents partly to increased monitoring and wet weather conditions. Critics, however, argue that these are merely excuses for systemic failures within the company. The admission follows growing public outrage over the routine dumping of raw sewage into rivers and coastal waters by water companies across England and Wales.
A People's Commission Emerges
Adding to the pressure on the water industry, a "people's commission" has been established by academics and environmental campaigners. This commission aims to provide an alternative perspective to the government's own independent inquiry, which some see as "too limited."
The commission plans to travel across England and Wales, gathering evidence from the public and environmental campaign groups that are actively fighting sewage pollution. This initiative is spearheaded by individuals who were instrumental in exposing the widespread practice of raw sewage dumping by water companies.
“The current system isn’t working, and it’s the public and the environment that are paying the price,” said one of the commission's organizers. “We need a thorough, independent investigation that truly reflects the concerns of the people affected by this scandal.”
What's Next for the Water Industry?
The dual pressure from parliamentary scrutiny and the "people's commission" is likely to keep the water industry under intense scrutiny. The government's own inquiry is also expected to release its findings in the coming months, further adding to the debate.
The future of the water industry in England and Wales remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the public is demanding change. Whether that change comes through regulatory reform, increased investment in infrastructure, or a complete overhaul of the system remains to be seen.
The admission by United Utilities CEO, coupled with the launch of the people's commission, signals a potential turning point in the fight against sewage pollution. The coming months will be critical in determining the direction of the water industry and its impact on the environment.