LONDON – The UK government has pledged to reduce sewage pollution from water companies by 50% by 2030, following a significant rise in serious contamination incidents. Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced the commitment, emphasizing the government’s intention to overhaul the water industry and address longstanding issues of underinvestment and regulatory failures.
The government’s plan includes a £104 billion investment to upgrade aging infrastructure, with funds ringfenced to ensure they are used for improvements rather than shareholder dividends. Additionally, over £100 million in fines from water companies will be reinvested into local clean-up projects. A new water ombudsman will be established to strengthen consumer protection, and the current regulator, Ofwat, is under review for potential replacement.
Reed acknowledged public frustration over rising water bills and pollution levels, stating that the government’s reforms aim to restore trust and ensure cleaner rivers, lakes, and coastlines. However, critics argue that the targets may not go far enough and call for more comprehensive measures to address the root causes of pollution.
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