We work closely with Surfers Against Sewage on their campaign to eliminate single-use plastic, but the threat to our environment doesn’t stop at what we can see. Their latest Water Quality Report uncovers a shocking truth: England’s water industry is failing all of us—and it’s putting lives at risk.
💥 Broken Promises, Missed Targets
In 2024, water companies in England recorded 2,487 pollution incidents—more than double the target set by the Environment Agency. That’s the highest number in a decade, despite repeated promises to clean up their act.
The water industry committed to cutting pollution by 40%.
Instead?
We’ve seen a 30% increase.
💸 Profit Over People
While water companies funnel billions to shareholders, customers are footing the bill for a declining service. Public health is at risk. Transparency is non existent. And accountability? Nowhere to be found.
This isn’t just a failure of policy—it’s a failure of basic human responsibility.
🤒 The Human Cost
Polluted water isn’t just an environmental disaster—it’s making people sick.
In 2024 alone, 1,853 illness reports were submitted via the Safer Seas & Rivers Service App—that’s five people every day falling ill after entering UK waters.
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331 people saw a doctor.
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79% were told their illness was likely caused by sewage.
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Cases ranged from gastro bugs and chest infections to hospitalisations and even heart surgery.
This is unacceptable. No one should get sick from enjoying the sea or rivers.
🔁 Time for Radical Reform
We cannot trust the UK’s water industry in its current form. The Water Quality Report calls for urgent, transformational reform. And we agree—nothing less will do.
It’s time to:
✅ Put people and planet before profit
✅ Give local communities a say in how water is managed
✅ Enforce the law—no more pollution without consequence
✅ End profit from pollution—once and for all
✊ The Moment for Change is Now
The Independent Commission on water industry reform will publish its recommendations for England and Wales in May 2025. This is our moment. A chance to be heard. A chance to demand better.
We’re standing with Surfers Against Sewage to say: enough is enough. We need water systems that are transparent, accountable, and built for the future—not profit margins.
Let’s make sure those in power hear us.
Read the full report – CLICK HERE
See more on what you can do to support – CLICK HERE
