Commenting on the Environment Agency report today (Wednesday) that record levels of raw sewage were pumped out into rivers and the sea last year, UNISON head of environment Donna Rowe-Merriman said:
“These sewage spillages are a major health risk and are causing untold damage to wildlife and the environment.
“Water companies are dumping waste at whim and sticking two fingers up to every public health law that’s ever existed. Their selfish actions risk turning the clock back to Victorian times.
“Both the government and OFWAT have failed to ensure adequate investment. Ministers sat back while water company executives and shareholders cashed in. But the industry should have been using the money to improve aging infrastructure and replace out-of-date systems.
“A proper water strategy is needed urgently to prevent spills and improve water quality dramatically. That means tougher regulation and more staff to police the country’s waterways.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk