Sewage apology is too little

Water companies have apologised for the sewage dumping described in our online newsletter (see Park Gate page in Find Your Ward). But is it enough?

In a statement issued through Water UK, water and sewage companies admitted to dragging their heels on taking action to stop sewage discharges into our coastlines, rivers and lakes. They have promised action - but the costs will be paid for by customes rather then taken from profits.You can see the full announcement from Water UK here.

In the wake of this announcement, local Liberal Democrat spokesperson Graham Everdell says the apology is far too late, and that it is meaningless unless the firm is completely reformed. 

The Liberal Democrats are calling for water firms to become “public benefit companies,” making environmental goals more important than profits, and making it compulsory for environmental experts to sit on their company boards. This would put an end to billions of pounds being wasted in dividends whilst sewage destroys waterways. 

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Fareham’s Western Wards Graham Everdell said: “This announcement is too little too late after years of putting public health at risk and large-scale environmental damage, which has previously been arrogantly dismissed by the water industry. 

“This apology means nothing unless the firm is completely reformed from top to bottom. Protecting the environment should be more important than making overseas investors rich. Sadly, Southern Water still has their priorities all wrong.

“To add insult to injury, this Conservative Government have spent recent years voting down tougher action on polluting water firms. They too owe people an apology.”