UK promised ‘biggest overhaul of water regulation in a generation’

WorldEnvironment
21 Jul 2025 • 2:13 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • Environment Secretary Steve Reed is initiating “the biggest overhaul of water regulation in a generation” amid growing anger at poor service, spiralling bills and the pollution of Britain’s waterways.
  • The reforms include establishing a new water ombudsman with legal powers to resolve consumer disputes.
  • The government pledges to halve river pollution by 2030 and eliminate it completely by 2035.
  • A key recommendation of the reform is expected to be the scrapping of Ofwat and the creation of a new regulator.
  • This overhaul will involve a £104 billion investment to rebuild the country's crumbling sewage pipes.

IN FULL