New duties for water companies to cut pollution

New duties have been introduced which will legally require water companies to produce pollution reduction plans for the first time.

Pollution Incident Reduction Plans (PIRPs) were previously voluntary, however they are now mandatory as part of the Water (Special Measures) Act.

PIRPs must also be made public and the first batch is due in April.

Failure to publish PIRPs will be a criminal offence for companies and their chief executives.

The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have produced guidance for companies on what to include in their plans and how they should be used to cut pollution.

The plans must include the specific actions companies will take to cut their pollution, including through better monitoring, clearing blockages, and customer awareness campaigns. Companies will also have to identify and explain the root causes of their pollution incidents, to ensure they are focused not just on short-term fixes but on long-term prevention.

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: "It is completely unacceptable that so much sewage is still entering our waterways, and it cannot continue.

"This government is delivering a new era of accountability in the water sector. We’ve banned unfair bonuses for water bosses, introduced tough penalties for pollution and these mandatory plans are the latest step to hold water companies to account and tackle the root causes of pollution.

"And we’re not stopping there. Our Water White Paper will set out long-term reforms to strengthen regulation, clean up our waterways, and drive infrastructure delivery."

Environment Agency Water Director Helen Wakeham said: "Pollution incidents from water companies happen far too often and can have devastating consequences on the environment and communities.

"We have been clear that every water company now needs to focus on delivery. These plans will ensure companies are taking actions to cut their pollution incidents and are publicly accountable for doing so.

"Our guidance is designed to help companies plan and deliver results – and we will continue to challenge them if they fall short."