Water companies must improve storm overflow infrastructure

Water companies in England are being told to improve storm overflow infrastructure.

Environment secretary Thérèse Coffey has asked for a clear assessment and action plan on every storm overflow from every water and sewerage company in England.

This follows growing and sustained concern about untreated sewage polluting waterways.

Criminal prosecutions are used to tackle the most serious pollution incidents. However, this can take time and so the government is looking at more instant penalties.

The consultation will also look at the maximum fines that can be applied to ensure they are a “real and serious deterrent”.

Coffey said storm overflows have existed for over a century and this was how “Victorian sewers are built”.

But she added: “I am making sure that regulators have the powers they need to take action when companies don’t follow the rules, including higher penalties that are quicker and easier to enforce.

“I am now demanding every company to come back to me with a clear plan for what they are doing on every storm overflow, prioritising those near sites where people swim and our most precious habitats.”