We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
New laws in force today mark the toughest sentencing powers against law-breaking water executives in history.
Environment Agency launches consultation on cost recovery for water company enforcement activities.
Spill count and duration remains unacceptably high across England. Data analysis and stricter rules to reduce pollution going forward.
New sewage data shows small drop in the number of sewage spills in 2024, but duration has increased.
Minister for Water and Flooding, Emma Hardy, visited North Cave Wetlands to see how nature-based solutions help flooding.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed visited Cambridge to discuss the region’s urgent water needs.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed visited Havant Thicket reservoir, which will help future-proof water supply in the South East.
Reforms to modernise bathing waters could see swimmers enjoying cleaner water and flexible seasons, as government states plans to bolster bathing water rules.
Water Minister Emma Hardy visits the £35 million expansion of the Saltford Water Recycling Plant which will support economic and residential growth in Bath
Environment Secretary Steve Reed will today (Monday 10 March) set out government ambition to end sewage discharged into Windermere
Dr Robert Bradburne outlines a future approach to environmental monitoring at newly refurbished £4 million laboratory in Leeds.
Sir Jon Cunliffe gives a speech in Manchester to launch the eight-week Call for Evidence for the Independent Water Commission.
Independent Water Commission explores fresh ideas on water sector reforms, both evolutionary and revolutionary.
The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 has today received Royal Assent, boosting the powers of water sector regulators to tackle pollution.
Sewage flooded into properties and thousands of fish were killed
Four in five beaches meet minimum standard for bathing water in part of the South West – but group effort is needed to root out all sources of deterioration.
Nearly every one of Devon and Cornwall’s 155 monitored bathing waters meets the minimum standards for bathing water quality.
Further action is needed to improve bathing water quality
Defra invites the public, community and environmental groups, farmers, businesses and local authorities to share views on modernising bathing water regulations.
Nearly 500 inspections of water company assets have happened in South West. Inspection teams continue to grow, focused on checks, enforcement, and regulation.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab and requires JavaScript).