Key facts
- Eight of nine English water companies rated "poor" or "requiring improvement" on environmental performance.
- 74 serious pollution incidents were recorded, a slight decrease from the previous year.
- The overall environmental performance score fell to 16 out of 36 stars, the lowest since the assessment began.
- Total pollution incidents in England in 2025 increased by 40% compared to 2016, reaching 2,666.
- Rules implemented last year can block bonuses for executives at companies with a one-star rating.
A new report has found that eight out of nine water companies in England are failing to meet environmental standards, despite billions of pounds invested. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle summoned water company bosses to Whitehall, stating that the public is "sick of excuses" and that "root-and-branch reform cannot wait." The joint report by the Environment Agency and other regulators revealed 74 serious pollution incidents, a slight decrease from the previous year, but overall pollution incidents increased by 40% since 2016. The environmental performance ratings for the companies fell to their lowest point, with Thames Water identified as the worst offender.