Inspection surge to crack down on water sector pollution

Summary:

The UK government has announced plans to quadruple water company inspections to hold companies accountable for their performance. This is part of a tougher regime, fully funded by the government and water company permits, aimed at reducing pollution and improving water quality. The Environment Agency will increase inspections from 930 last year to 4,000 by the end of March 2025 and 10,000 from April 2026. This will include an increase in unannounced inspections, strengthening oversight of water companies and reducing reliance on self-monitoring. The initiative is backed by approximately u00a355 million in funding per year, derived from increasing grant-in-aid from Defra to the Environment Agency and additional funding from water quality permit charges levied on water companies. The goal is to bring an end to routine lawbreaking by water companies and ensure better environmental regulation.