South West Water Ranks #1 Worst for Sewage Discharge in England

South West Water has been identified as the worst-performing water company in England for environmental standards, according to a new analysis by Friends of the Earth. The environmental group examined sewage discharge data across England, focusing on Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, and Somerset, where South West Water operates. The findings highlight the company’s significant impact on water quality and ecological health in the region.

The analysis evaluated six key environmental categories: total sewage spill duration, bathing site water quality, pollution incidents at bathing sites, severity of pollution, rivers rated below ecological health standards, and affordability of water bills. South West Water ranked among the three worst performers in four of these categories. The company recorded the highest total duration of sewage spills since 2024, averaging 574,323 hours annually—nearly 200,000 hours more than Severn Trent and Yorkshire Water, which ranked second and third, respectively.

South West Water’s designated bathing sites also experienced the highest number of pollution incidents and warnings in 2025, with 666 recorded. The company oversees 157 official bathing sites in its service area, where the Environment Agency monitors water quality during the bathing season to protect public health.

A South West Water spokesperson acknowledged the challenges but pointed to recent improvements. They noted a 17% reduction in storm overflow spills and a 25% decrease in spill duration over the past year, despite higher rainfall in the region. The company also stated it is on track to meet new Environment Act bathing water standards by 2030, five years ahead of the national deadline, thanks to record investment in the south-west.

Despite these efforts, Friends of the Earth criticized South West Water’s environmental record and highlighted the financial burden on its 1.8 million customers. The average annual bill for customers is £726, the second-highest in England, with a 39% increase since 2024. Southern Water holds the unenviable distinction of having the highest bills and the largest increase in the same period, with an added £281 to the average bill.

Kierra Box, a water campaigner at Friends of the Earth, urged the government to introduce a robust clean water bill to address systemic failures. She emphasized the need for meaningful reforms rather than superficial measures to end the ongoing sewage pollution crisis. A Defra spokesperson responded that the government is taking action, including banning bonuses for failing companies and preparing legislation to give the public more control over water systems.

Friends of the Earth has also called for the nationalization of water companies, a proposal that has gained traction in recent discussions. Reports suggested that Prime Minister Andy Burnham was considering changes to insolvency laws to facilitate public control of utilities like water companies. However, plans to place Thames Water into administration were reportedly shelved due to concerns over cost and legal risks.

A Water UK spokesperson reiterated the industry’s commitment to eliminating sewage spills, announcing plans to triple investment over the next five years. The goal is to halve spills from storm overflows and upgrade 1,700 wastewater treatment works to improve capacity and performance.

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