United Utilities own live data has revealed the company discharging sewage into rivers around Penrith just hours after the Environment Agency published a report revealing that England’s waterways were subjected to almost 4 million hours of sewage discharges last year. Even rivers with the highest environmental protections endured prolonged pollution events.
Live data has confirmed that United Utilities as the local water and sewage company released sewage directly from outflows into the River Lowther, River Eamont, and tributaries feeding into the River Eden. On Friday alone, over five hours’ worth of combined discharges were recorded, including a pumping station South of Penrith alongside the A66 at Pategill releasing sewage directly into the River Eamont for nearly an hour on Friday afternoon.
The environment agency report on raw sewage discharge comes as water companies impose bill increases averaging £123 per household to fund upgrades to ageing infrastructure, with 2025 household water bill delivering the largest price hike since the industry was privatised 36 years ago.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed condemned the situation, stating:
“These figures are disgraceful and are a stark reminder of how years of underinvestment have led to water companies discharging unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes, and seas.”
The rising number of pollution incidents has intensified public and political pressure on water companies to prioritise environmental protection over shareholder dividends.
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