CCW statement on water companies’ environmental performance

Many customers will feel short-changed by water companies’ latest environmental performance, according to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

CCW has responded to the latest annual Environmental Performance Assessment of water companies in England from the Environment Agency.

In 2024, the nine water and sewerage companies collectively achieved just 19 stars out of a possible 36 – down from 25 in 2023. 

The report also shows that the number of serious pollution incidents rose by 60 per cent compared to 2023.

Responding to the report, Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said:

Just one in three households say they’re satisfied with their water and sewerage company’s efforts to protect the environment – and this report lays bare why their concerns are well founded. Customers entrust companies with their money to protect the water environment and many will feel they’ve been short-changed, with nature paying the price.

Customers are now paying more than ever before through water bills and they will expect to see companies delivering on their promises to cut pollution and help bring rivers, lakes and wildlife habitats back to life. If the industry fails to deliver, the damage to public trust – which is already at an all-time low – may be unrecoverable.