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Severn Trent and United Utilities Illegally Dump Sewage 1,374 Times Amid £2.8bn Dividends

Oct 14, 2024, 05:09 AM

UK water companies Severn Trent Water and United Utilities, both holding four-star environmental ratings from the Environment Agency, are under scrutiny after reports revealed they illegally dumped raw sewage 1,374 times into 80 rivers and watercourses. In villages such as Lutterworth and near the Malvern Hills, residents are facing severe pollution, with sewage levels reportedly ankle-deep, making it impossible to leave homes without wading through waste. Despite these environmental breaches, the Environment Agency has not revoked Severn Trent's license. The companies have continued to pay substantial dividends totaling £2.8 billion, and their CEOs received significant pay packages, with Severn Trent's CEO earning £3.2 million and United Utilities' CEO £1.4 million. Critics argue that the profit motive is hindering environmental accountability, as high environmental rankings do not reflect the ongoing violations.