As anglers, we’re all too aware of the pollution problems plaguing UK rivers and despite more government promises than there have been sewage discharges, yet another “plan” has been drafted, this time aiming to clean up our rivers by 2030.
Sewage pollution from water companies will be cut in half by the end of the decade, the Environment Secretary Steve Reed pledged (Sunday 20 July). He promised that our rivers, lakes and seas will be the cleanest since records began, meaning millions of families will benefit from cleaner beaches and rivers.
For the first time the Government has made a pledge to cut sewage pollution with a clear target which they will be held accountable to.
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS ACT, YOU CAN READ THE FULL DOCUMENT HERE.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:
“Families have watched their local rivers, coastlines and lakes suffer from record levels of pollution."
“My pledge to you: the Government will halve sewage pollution from water companies by the end of the decade."
“One of the largest infrastructure projects in England’s history will clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.”
The Government has already taken decisive action to clean up England’s waterways.
-
Record investment: with £104 billion to upgrade crumbling pipes and build sewage treatment works across the country.
-
Ringfence customers' bills for upgrades: customer bills earmarked for investment must now be spent on new sewage pipes and treatment works – not spent on shareholder payments or bonuses.
-
Reinvesting company fines into local projects: with over £100million being invested into local clean-up projects in communities.
-
Largest budget for water regulation: the Environment Agency received a record £189 million to fund hundreds of enforcement officers to inspect and prosecute polluting water companies.
-
Polluter Pays: companies will now cover the cost of prosecutions and successful investigations into pollution incidents, enabling the regulator to hire more staff and pursue further enforcement activity.
-
Banning wet wipes containing plastic in England: introducing legislation to reduce microplastics in our waters.
-
The Water (Special Measures) Act: banned unfair bonuses for ten polluting water bosses this year and threatened prison sentences for law-breaking executives.
This package of measures will slash storm overflow spills by 50% by 2030 and halve phosphorus from treated wastewater by 2028.
Both contaminants choke our rivers, suffocate wildlife and destroy ecosystems. In 2024, sewage spilled into waterways for a record 3,614,428 hours.
More sewage from the government?
Jamie Cook, CEO of the Angling Trust, comments:
“Anglers have heard it all before — pledges, promises, and grand plans to fix the sewage scandal. Yet year after year, water pollution gets worse, not better.
The water industry has been allowed to pollute with impunity for too long by successive governments. Reform must be urgent, enforced, and rooted in reality, not rhetoric.
Anglers will continue to fight for clean rivers, and we’ll hold those in power accountable every step of the way. This government — like those before it — will be judged on outcomes, not headlines.”
Subscribe to Angling Times magazine today. Choose a Print+ Subscription and you'll get instant digital access and so much more. PLUS FREE UK delivery.