England Water Firms Hit Record Low Environmental Ratings Amid 60% Pollution Surge

England's water companies have recorded their worst environmental performance since monitoring began, with a significant 60% increase in serious pollution incidents in 2024, according to the Environment Agency's annual assessment. The nine main water firms collectively scored just 19 out of 36 stars, marking a sharp decline from 25 stars in 2023, with only Severn Trent earning the top four-star rating while Thames Water received the lowest single star due to financial difficulties and doubled serious pollution incidents. Southern Water, Yorkshire Water, and Thames Water were responsible for over 80% of these serious incidents, which caused significant ecological harm. The Environment Agency chairman, Alan Lovell, described the sector's performance as "poor" and called for urgent change, highlighting that while the wet and stormy weather in 2024 contributed to the decline, it should never be an excuse for poor infrastructure resilience. The report also pointed to underinvestment and increased monitoring as factors, with government officials acknowledging the crisis and proposing reforms including the creation of a "super-regulator" to improve oversight. Water companies and their leaders have acknowledged the challenges and express commitment to improving, though regulators emphasize the need for bold leadership and a cultural shift in the sector.