Water companies have been more focused on profits than protecting on the environment
The dumping of raw sewage ‘cannot go on’, says GMB Union as a study shows seven water companies in England and Wales discharged untreated sewage into rivers and the sea more than 3,000 times between 2017 and 2021. [1]
The companies are Southern Water, South West Water, Thames Water, United Utilities, Wessex Water, Yorkshire Water and Welsh Water.
Gary Carter, GMB National Officer, said:
“The dumping of raw sewage cannot go on.
“Water companies are failing and the Government needs to take action, strengthen regulation and give the environment agency the resources they need to bring an end to dumping.
“For too long there has been a lack of investment. Water companies have been more focused on profits than protecting on the environment, consumers and their employees.
“Workers are leaving the industry and water companies don’t pay enough to attract new staff.
“The water industry in England needs fundamental reform - it’s time to bring back the tap into public ownership so water ways can more cleaned up."
