Environment & Climate
South West Water rated worst environmental performer in England, study finds
An analysis by Friends of the Earth cites high sewage spill durations and pollution incidents across the South West, while the utility points to recent reductions in overflow events.
The short version
- An analysis by Friends of the Earth ranked South West Water as the worst environmental performer among English water utilities across six measured categories.
- The report highlighted that South West Water averaged 574,323 hours of sewage spills annually since 2024 and registered 666 pollution warnings at bathing sites in 2025.
- South West Water stated that storm overflow spills fell by 17% over the past year and asserted it remains on track to meet 2030 Environment Act bathing standards early.
- Environmental campaigners are urging the government to nationalize water companies and enact a clean water bill, while Defra points to ongoing legislative reforms.
Key facts
- Friends of the Earth evaluated English water companies across six metrics, including sewage spill duration, river ecology, bathing water quality, and bill affordability.[The Guardian]
- South West Water averaged 574,323 spill hours annually since 2024, exceeding the second and third highest duration companies by nearly 200,000 hours.[The Guardian]
- The company recorded 666 pollution incidents and warnings at its 157 official bathing sites during 2025.[The Guardian]
- South West Water serves approximately 1.8 million customers, who experienced a 39% increase in average annual bills to £726 since 2024.[The Guardian]
- A representative for South West Water stated that storm overflow spills decreased by 17% and total spill duration dropped by 25% over the past year.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The feasibility and timeline of proposed government water sector overhauls or potential utility nationalizations remain uncertain.[The Guardian]
Sources
- South West Water has worst environmental record in England, analysis showsThe Guardian - World