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New laws in force mark the toughest sentencing powers against law-breaking water executives in history.
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Powers introduced could see water bosses who cover up illegal sewage spills sent to prison for two years.
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New measures will force water companies to end their disgraceful behaviour and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.
Water company bosses could face up to two years in prison thanks to new powers that came into force on Friday (25 April).
The new powers, delivered by the Government’s landmark Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, mean water executives who cover up or hide illegal sewage spills can now be given prison sentences.
No prison sentences have been handed to water executives since privatisation – despite widespread illegal sewage discharges into rivers, lakes and seas. These new, tougher penalties are essential as some water companies have obstructed investigations – failing to hand over vital evidence related to illegal sewage discharges. This has prevented crackdowns against law-breaking water companies.
The new measures deliver on the Government’s promise to bring tougher criminal charges against lawbreakers in the water industry. As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, the threat of imprisonment will act as a powerful deterrent as water companies invest in upgrading broken water infrastructure and clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:
“Bosses must face consequences if they commit crimes. There must be accountability. From today, there will be no more hiding places.
“As part of the Plan for Change, these new powers will force water companies to focused on cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.”
In addition, new powers will mean that the polluters will pay for the cost of criminal investigations into wrongdoing. Authorities will now recover the costs of their enforcement activity, with the Environment Agency currently consulting on how they will use the powers.
The payment of bonuses to water bosses will also be banned if they fail to meet high standards to protect the environment, their consumers, and their company’s finances.
Sam Carling, Labour MP for North West Cambridgeshire said:
“People across North West Cambridgeshire have rightly been appalled by the state of our rivers and the inaction from those at the top of the water industry.
I was elected on a promise to help clean up our local waterways – and today we’re delivering on that.
These new powers mean water company executives will no longer be able to pollute with impunity. If they cover up illegal sewage spills, they’ll face serious consequences – including custodial sentences.
This is a new era of accountability, and it’s long overdue.”