Water companies accused of ‘scandalous cover-up’ over sewage quantity knowledge
W
ater companies have been accused of a “scandalous cover-up” after being unable to point out a lot sewage they’re pumping into rivers and seas.
The Liberal Democrats mentioned they tried to seek out out the quantity of air pollution by means of Environment Information Regulations – much like a Freedom of Information request – however have been instructed that data doesn’t exist.
A parliamentary committee final 12 months discovered greater than two billion litres of uncooked sewage had been dumped into the River Thames over two days following a storm.
These water companies might be responsible of a scandalous cover-up. We do not know what number of billions of litres of sewage are being pumped into our treasured rivers and lakes
Despite this, Thames Water instructed the Lib Dems it “does not record the volume of wastewater discharged into the environment via storm overflows”.
Other firms throughout England and Wales mentioned the screens they use solely measure frequency and length of spills, not quantity.
Six of those firms now face authorized motion for allegedly deceptive the Environment Agency and Ofwat in regards to the variety of instances they’ve discharged sewage, which means they could have overcharged prospects.
Water UK has mentioned these claims are “entirely without merit”.
Scottish Water, which is publicly owned, does file and publish quantity knowledge, however solely a small proportion of its discharges are monitored.
In Northern Ireland, sewage discharges will not be routinely monitored and the final time data was launched was in late 2021 in response to a query tabled in Stormont.
The Lib Dems consider that water companies in England and Wales are both not telling the reality about holding quantity knowledge, or the screens they’ve put in are insufficient.
They mentioned earlier requests for data discovered almost 1 / 4 of screens have been defective or had not been fitted all through 2021 and 2022.
Either these companies are withholding knowledge from the general public, which might be a particularly severe offence, or they simply aren’t bothering to suit correct sewage screens
The celebration’s atmosphere spokesman, Tim Farron, mentioned: “These water firms could be guilty of a scandalous cover-up.
“We have no idea how many billions of litres of sewage are being pumped into our precious rivers and lakes.
“The true extent of environmental damage caused by this scandal is completely unknown. We don’t even know how much sewage is being pumped into bathing areas and shellfish water.”
A Water UK spokesman mentioned the Lib Dem claims are “fabricated” and “completely false”.
Water firms are investing billions of kilos to deploy round 50,000 screens throughout overflows and in rivers
“Water companies are investing billions of pounds to deploy around 50,000 monitors across overflows and in rivers.
“These will take six different measurements defined by the Government, like spills, oxygen levels and different pollutants.
“Unmatched anywhere in the world, this information will be published and open for all to see in virtually real time.
“Only a tiny handful of monitors record volume. We could expand this, but bills would go up to pay for it.
“We would prefer to get on and actually fix the problem rather than delaying progress by installing ever more monitors that would tell us nothing whatsoever about actual impact.”
A latest investigation by the Marine Conservation Society found round 6,000 emergency overflows – separate from the storm overflows water firms usually monitor – weren’t being recorded.
Emergency overflows are solely supposed for use in important conditions, reminiscent of if there’s {an electrical} failure at a pumping station.
Ministers must get harder on these water companies by demanding they match correct sewage screens that are as much as the job
More than 90% of them will not be monitored both for quantity, length or frequency. Water firms are required to watch solely people who have the potential to discharge into shellfish waters.
Mr Farron mentioned: “Either these firms are withholding data from the public, which would be an extremely serious offence, or they just aren’t bothering to fit proper sewage monitors.
“Ministers need to get tougher on these water firms by demanding they fit proper sewage monitors which are up to the job.
“The Government is letting water firms get away with faulty and flawed monitors.”
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesman mentioned: “This Government is the first to require water companies in England to monitor every single storm overflow. The proportion of those monitored has increased from 7% in 2010 to 91% now, reaching 100% cover by end of this year.
“Greater transparency means we can hold companies to account. For instance, the regulators are undertaking the largest civil and criminal investigations in water company history.
“This is alongside the increased investment, tougher enforcement and tighter regulation that we are delivering through our plan for water.”
Water UK and Thames Water have been contacted for remark.