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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Helena Horton Environment reporter

Water companies’ pollution incidents in England increased by 30% in 2024

A waste discharge pipe.
Surfers Against Sewage’s new report shows the number of water pollution incidents last year was the highest in a decade. Photograph: Richard Saker/The Observer

Water companies have missed their targets to reduce pollution with 2,487 incidents recorded in 2024 – twice the limit set by the Environment Agency.

Data revealed under freedom of information law shows the companies were collectively set an Environment Agency target of a 40% reduction in pollution incidents, but instead recorded a 30% increase.

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