English water firms’ ratings hit record low after sewage pollution soars

The Guardian•Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 8:44:51 AM

England's water companies are facing unprecedented scrutiny as their ratings plummet to an all-time low due to a surge in sewage pollution. The Environment Agency has rated eight out of nine companies as poor, highlighting a significant need for improvement. With a cumulative score of just 19 stars out of a possible 36, this marks a concerning trend since the introduction of the star rating system in 2011. This situation is critical as it raises alarms about public health and environmental safety, urging immediate action from both the companies and regulators.

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