A record 81 criminal investigations into water companies have been launched in England since the election, as part of the Government’s crackdown on sewage dumping. A new operation spearheaded by Environment Secretary Steve Reed amounts to the largest criminal action against water companies in history. The number of inspections carried out by authorities into sewage … Read more
Yorkshire has become the second region to enter drought status following the driest spring in 132 years. The Environment Agency announced the change in status today (12th June 2025) following declining river flows and groundwater levels because of the dry March, April and May. The decision sees the regulator stepping up its operational response in … Read more
The largest flooding programme in history will be announced by government this week, with a record £7.9 billion committed over ten years to protect hundreds of thousands of homes, small businesses, and vital infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding. From high-performance flood barriers to nature-based solutions like wetland restoration, the programme will deliver long-term … Read more
England faces 5 billion litre a day shortfall for public water supplies by 2055 – and a further 1 billion litre a day deficit for wider economy. Pressures caused by climate change, growing population, emerging technologies and need to protect environment. £8 billion water company investment already committed over next five years. England’s public water supply … Read more
Following the introduction of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, the Environment Agency is now able to recover additional costs associated with regulating the water industry. This includes the cost of existing and new enforcement activities which were previously funded by government Grant in Aid. The proposals – set out in a consultation seeking views from … Read more
Court imposes fines, costs and confiscation order on director and his company for nearly £100,000 Judge tells defendant he ran business in ‘arrogant and bullish’ manner Environment Agency officer verbally abused during site inspection. At Lincoln Crown Court on Wednesday 7 May 2025, Matthew Berry, 46, of Loft Shay, Longridge, Preston, received a suspended sentence … Read more
The bathing water season has officially started (Thursday 15 May 2025), marking the beginning of rigorous testing of water quality from the Environment Agency at bathing sites. Our bathing waters bring important social and health benefits to local communities and help coastal towns prosper by attracting tourists from across the UK and the world. Throughout … Read more
All homes, businesses and crucial infrastructure in Oxford at risk of flooding from the River Thames will be better protected thanks to a major new flood defence. This will provide vital reassurances for more than 160,000 residents in the face of our changing climate. In another step under the Government’s Plan for Change, Environment Secretary … Read more
Partnership unlocks 18,000 new homes whilst ensuring high standards of environmental protection A new solution to development follows Government calls to unlock growth Environment Agency won’t seek a planning condition and Oxford City Council can now determine planning applications with benefit of increased confidence in, and oversight of, waste water treatment scheme A partnership between … Read more
The Environment Agency has today published water company Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) Annual Return data for 2024 showing the frequency and duration of spills from storm overflows in England. The data for 2024 shows a 2.9% decrease in the number of sewage spills compared to 2023. Spill durations increased by 0.2% – this is the number … Read more
-
-
-
----