A groundbreaking law now allows water company executives who conceal illegal sewage discharges to face prison sentences of up to two years. The Water (Special Measures) Act, introduced by the Labour government and enacted on April 25, is being hailed as the toughest set of criminal regulations ever imposed on the water industry.
This new legislation represents a decisive shift in environmental enforcement, empowering authorities to hold water bosses criminally accountable if they deliberately hide sewage pollution. Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston, Worle and surrounding villages, welcomed the law as long overdue after years of unchecked environmental harm.
“For too long, communities like Weston-super-Mare have suffered the consequences of water company failures,” Aldridge said. “Our beaches and waterways have been polluted repeatedly, and those responsible escaped without penalty. That stops now. This law ensures that any executive who breaks the law—and attempts to cover it up—will face real consequences.”
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Since the privatisation of the water sector, no executive has ever been jailed despite numerous sewage spills and ongoing pollution problems. The new law not only introduces jail time but also prohibits bonuses for executives who fail to meet environmental, financial, or customer service standards.
Additionally, companies found to obstruct investigations will now be liable for covering the costs of their criminal probes, further strengthening enforcement.
The Water (Special Measures) Act is a central pillar of Labour’s broader Plan for Change, which mandates investment in infrastructure repairs and aims to end the discharge of untreated sewage into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the need for accountability: “Executives who commit crimes must face consequences. These new powers will ensure there are no more hiding places. Our focus is on cleaning up our rivers, lakes, and seas once and for all.”
Local environmental campaigners in Weston-super-Mare, who have advocated tirelessly for the protection of Marine Lake and the surrounding coastline, have welcomed the legislation. The law places direct legal and financial pressure on senior industry figures, supporting ongoing community efforts to safeguard their environment.
Dan Aldridge called it a milestone for the town: “This is a huge victory for Weston-super-Mare. After years of community campaigns, we now have the tools to hold water companies—and their executives—fully accountable. Our beautiful beaches and waterways deserve nothing less.”
The government affirms that the legislation signals the end of leniency toward environmental polluters, declaring: “No more excuses. No more pollution. No more bonuses for failure. It’s time to clean up our waters—for good.”
