UK Water Companies Report Record Sewage Spills of 3.6 Million Hours in 2024

British water companies faced significant backlash after releasing untreated sewage into rivers and coastal waters for over 3.6 million hours in 2024, marking the longest duration on record. Despite a slight decrease in the total number of spills, the substantial duration reflects ongoing issues with outdated infrastructure and insufficient investment. Environment Secretary Steve Reed condemned the situation as disgraceful, asserting that years of neglect have led to unacceptable pollution levels. The Liberal Democrats have called for the replacement of the current regulator, Ofwat, while the Labour government is investigating the sector. As households brace for an average 26% increase in water bills, critics argue that this funding should prioritize improvements to prevent sewage discharges. The situation has escalated into a public scandal, raising concerns about the priorities of privatized water firms that appear more focused on dividends than necessary infrastructure upgrades.