Read about the latest action the government is taking against water companies and sewage pollution.
October 2025
England’s water companies got their worst ever combined score for environmental performance in 2024.
The latest results reveal the sector only achieved 19 stars out of a maximum of 36.
Severn Trent Water has achieved the highest 4 star rating.
Thames Water were rated 1 star and the remaining seven companies were rated two stars (requiring improvement).
It follows the news that those firms who commit environmental offences could face quicker penalties of up to £500,000.
A consultation will look into expanding and strengthening financial penalties available to the Environment Agency in a bid to clamp down on more offences.
Currently, the EA struggles to impose financial penalties for frequent, minor and moderate offending.
This is because they need to prove an offence to the same high legal standard used in criminal courts.
This makes penalties too expensive and time consuming to pursue for less serious offences.
The changes would lower the standard of proof needed, making it easier to hold water companies to account.
Secretary of State, Emma Reynolds, said she wants to give the Environment Agency the “teeth it needs to tackle all rule breaking”.
Find out more about Paddle UK’s Clear Access, Clear Waters campaign >>
Water companies are set to be given new ratings as part of a revamp to measure performance.
From 2027, the annual Environmental Performance Assessment (EPA) will give firms a descriptor and number rating from 1 to 5.
Five is excellent, while one is judged to be failing. Currently, firms are given a rating of 1 to 4 stars.
Getting four stars means a firm is ‘industry leading’, while a one means it’s performing poorly.
The new metrics, from 2027, will include assessments on the reliability of water company data.
This can be from event duration monitors at storm overflows, and information on how many spills there are on dry days.
Paddle UK’s response
Chantelle Grundy, Access and Environment Manager, said:
‘We welcome the government’s intention to simplify the process for holding water companies to account for polluting our waters, enabling more action to be taken for wrong doing.
‘This represents a positive move forward for the health of our rivers and for the paddling community who depend on them.
‘However, we continue to urge the government to go further faster and expand efforts to protect the health of all recreational water users.
‘One specific recommendation is for an urgent amendment to the Bathing Water Regulations, broadening the definition of “bathers” to include all watersports enthusiasts.’
Find out more about Paddle UK’s Clear Access, Clear Waters campaign >>