Over 50,000 of us shared our views to strengthen the Water Bill

38 Degrees supporters kicked off 2025 by rallying in our tens of thousands to tell the Government exactly what we need to see in the Water (Special Measures) Bill – a landmark new law on sewage speeding through Parliament as we speak. 

Together, we were acting in response to a call from the Public Bill Committee – currently scrutinising the Bill – for written evidence from all those with “expertise, experience or a special interest” in the legislation. Launched right before Christmas – and with a tight deadline of just a few short weeks – we knew we had to act fast. We were a little worried that, with the festive season in full swing, many supporters might miss the opportunity to be involved. So we were blown away when over 50,000 people took part! Yet another reminder of just how dedicated the 38 Degrees community is to achieving real change – even when mince pies and mulled wine are calling.

The Water Bill promises to be a huge step towards finally holding water companies accountable for sewage pollution. It aims to:

• Block bonuses for water company executives “who pollute our waterways”.
• Bring criminal charges against “persistent law breakers”.
• Impose automatic and “severe” fines for wrongdoing.
• Enable independent monitoring of every sewer overflow outlet.

However, many campaigners and MPs want to see the Bill go further, with such amendments as:

• Enable public ownership of water companies.
• Abolish the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat).
• Amend Ofwat’s consumer duty to prioritise clean water and bill levels instead of commercial competition.
• Ensure any fines imposed on water companies result in equivalent reductions to customers’ bills.
• Place a water company into special administration if they breach environmental or other obligations.

Right now, the Public Bill Committee is scrutinising the Bill and all amendments line by line, and will report back to MPs on Thursday 16th January. These next few weeks will then present MPs with a crucial – and final – window of opportunity to influence the Bill and push for amendments, including the above. So we’ll seize every available opportunity to engage MPs and encourage them to do all they can to ensure the Water Bill finally forces water companies to clean up their act. Watch this space!

You can read the full report here and you can read more about the Water Bill and track its progress through Parliament here.