Independent Water Commission: The public’s mandate for change

The UK’s water industry is under fire – and rightly so. Decades after privatisation, it’s plagued by raw sewage spills, crumbling infrastructure, soaring bills, and weak oversight. Across the country, people are asking: is this system working for anyone but the water companies?

So when the Government launched a major consultation into the future of the water industry, we leapt into action. In partnership with Surfers Against Sewage, we gathered the views from over 28,000 people and turned them into a powerful report, which we delivered directly to the consultation team. 

The message is clear: the public is angry, and they want change. 

Over 78% of respondents said they feel angry about the state of the water industry – pointing to pollution, rising bills, and corporate profits as major concerns.

Other key findings include:

• Widespread frustration with Ofwat and the current regulatory system – seen as toothless, underfunded and failing to protect people or the planet and ensure fair pricing.
• Strong support for tougher enforcement, improved transparency, and greater Government involvement in long-term water strategy.
• 88% support bringing water companies back into public ownership.

And it’s not just about reversing privatisation. Support for public ownership is rooted in a bigger idea: that water is a human right, not a commodity for profit.

As political momentum builds for reform, this report sends a powerful message to decision-makers: the public has had enough. It’s time for a water system that puts people and the environment first.

You can read the report in full here.