UK to propose new law to clean up sewage clogging rivers, water company bosses may face jail time

London, September 5, 2024. The UK government said it will introduce a new law to clean up the country's rivers, lakes and beaches clogged with sewage. Under this law, bosses of water companies that pollute waterways could end up in prison. On September 5, a bill was submitted to Parliament. The bill will give regulators the power to ban bonuses to executives of polluting companies and bring criminal charges against offenders. Executives who obstruct investigations could face up to two years in prison.

During the national general election campaign on July 4, the condition of UK waterways became controversial. Critics argue that sewage is a symbol of the impact of aging infrastructure and privatization of basic utilities in the UK. Private water companies often discharge sewage into waterways when rain floods old sewer systems. They are accused of not investing in upgrading infrastructure but paying dividends to shareholders. Water companies say they want to invest in upgrades but industry regulators do not allow price hikes to raise funds.

The center-left Labour government elected in July has promised to clean up the “unacceptable” condition of UK waters. Environment Secretary Steve Reed said water executives can no longer make profits while discharging pollutants. The bill will also strengthen the power of regulators and force water companies to publish real-time data on all sewage leaks. Clean water activist Fergal Sharkey thinks this is good news, but also points out that existing anti-pollution laws are rarely used and that existing laws should be enforced instead of making new ones. The bill needs to be approved by lawmakers.