UK water bosses can now face prison under new crackdown on illegal sewage pollution

Senior executives at water companies who conceal illegal sewage spills could now face up to two years in prison, as tough new powers come into force under the Government’s Water (Special Measures) Act 2025.

The new powers mark a historic shift in the legal accountability of water company leaders: for the first time since water industry privatisation, directors and executives who obstruct investigations into environmental crimes could be prosecuted and imprisoned.

“Bosses must face consequences if they commit crimes. There must be accountability. From today, there will be no more hiding places,” said Environment Secretary Steve Reed. “As part of the Plan for Change, water companies must now focus on cleaning up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.”

The crackdown responds to growing public and political outrage over illegal sewage discharges across England. While regulators have historically struggled to prosecute offenders, these new measures allow cases of obstruction to be heard in Crown Court and introduce clear pathways to hold individuals — not just companies — accountable when they consent to, connive in, or neglect to prevent such actions.

“The Water (Special Measures) Act was a crucial step in making sure water companies take full responsibility for their impact on the environment,” said Philip Duffy, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency. “The tougher powers we have gained through this legislation will allow us, as the regulator, to close the justice gap, deliver swifter enforcement action and ultimately deter illegal activity.”

Alongside criminal liability, companies will also be required to cover the cost of enforcement investigations. Bonuses for executives who fail to meet environmental, consumer or financial standards will now be banned.

This comes as part of the Government’s broader “Plan for Change”, which includes securing £104 billion in private investment to overhaul the nation’s water infrastructure. This investment aims to support 1.5 million new homes, create thousands of jobs, and boost future industries such as gigafactories and data centres.

The Government has vowed to continue reforming the water sector to end sewage pollution and restore public trust. With the threat of prison now on the table, officials hope this landmark legislation will force water companies to put the environment — and transparency — first.