Climate
Most of England's water companies still failing on environment, joint regulator report finds
October 29, 2026 at 05:25 PM
Coverage
3 reports · over 7 hours
TGThe Guardian
Eight of England’s nine water companies still failing on environment, report finds
(opens the publisher’s site)
BNBBC News
South West Water given lowest environmental rating
(opens the publisher’s site)
BNBBC News
Water companies' environmental performance 'deteriorates' further - regulators
(opens the publisher’s site)A joint regulator report has found that eight of England's nine water companies still fall short on environmental performance despite record investment.
- Eight of nine English water companies were rated "poor" or "requiring improvement" in the first joint regulator report, with only Severn Trent earning the top rating.
- Overall environmental scores fell to a record low of 16 out of 36 stars, with 74 serious pollution incidents reported — one fewer than the previous year.
- Environment secretary Angela Eagle summoned water industry bosses, saying "people are sick of excuses" and that "root-and-branch reform cannot wait."
- South West Water was downgraded to the lowest one-star rating after performing "significantly below target" on sewage pollution for a 15th consecutive year.