Decades of criminality in the water industry: Our fight for clean water continues

Six months ago, our team at 38 Degrees set out to uncover the truth about the criminality in the water industry—and the results are nothing short of staggering. We began by filing a series of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to the Environment Agency, determined to get to the bottom of what seemed like widespread law-breaking by water companies across England and Wales.

It wasn’t easy. We had to navigate the complexities of the system, taking time to figure out the precise wording needed to get the information we were after. But after months of persistence, we finally got the data. What we discovered was shocking: over 1,100 criminal convictions against ten water companies for environmental offences, with fines and penalties totalling over £171 million.

The scale of the illegal activities we’ve uncovered shows just how broken the system is. For decades, these companies have polluted our rivers and seas, flouted environmental regulations, and endangered communities – all while continuing to make enormous profits. The numbers we found weren’t just statistics – they represent decades of harm to the environment and to people across the UK.

Key Findings

• 1,135 Criminal Convictions: Water companies have been found guilty of hundreds of criminal violations of environmental laws over the last three decades since privatisation.
• £164 Million in Fines: The industry has been hit with over £164 million in fines for their criminal behaviour.
• £7.8 Million in Legal and Court Costs: Companies have also been forced to pay over £7.8 million in legal costs associated with their convictions.

Worst Offenders

• Southern Water: With 119 convictions, this company has incurred a shocking £94 million in fines, the highest in the industry.
• United Utilities (UU): With the highest number of separate convictions (205), United Utilities has been fined a comparatively lower £5 million.
• Thames Water: With the second highest number of convictions (187), it has also paid £41.6 million in fines, the second-highest figure.

Once we had the data in hand, we knew we had to act fast. We packaged up our findings and shared them with The Times. They published a detailed article, spreading the news of these convictions to the wider public and making sure the water companies could no longer hide behind closed doors. 

And then, campaigners even hit the HQs of the three worst offenders and “updated” their signs with the details of their fines and convictions, too. 

The Government is currently debating a new Water Bill that could finally bring real accountability to the industry. Now, more than ever, we need to push for change. If those with vested interests try to get in the way of the Bill delivering tougher penalties and true justice, we’ll be there, raising our voices.

We’ve come this far, and together, we can make sure the water companies are held to account – once and for all. The fight for clean water starts now, and we’re just getting started.

Methodology

38 Degrees analysed the lists of relevant convictions submitted to the Environment Agency by Southern Water, South West Water, Northumbrian Water, United Utilities, Severn Trent Water, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Anglian Water, Wessex Water and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water.