UNITED UTILITIES: SPILLING THE FACTS

  • 2023 was the worst year for storm water pollution in British history, with water companies discharging sewage for a combined 3.6 million hours - a 105% increase on the previous year.

  • United Utilities was the worst offender that year, discharging sewage for 656,014 hours - up from 425,491 in 2022.

  • Nearly a third of United Utilities Outflows discharged 60 times or more in 2023. By law, any outflow that dicharges more than 60 times should be subject to an Environment Agency investigation.

  • A mere 14% of the UK's rivers are considered to be in good ecological health, with none of them meeting the necessary chemical standards.

  • During the 2021/22 financial year, water companies distributed a total of £965 million in shareholder dividends. 

  • In the 2021/22 financial year, CEOs of water companies received an astonishing £16.5 million.

  • In 2022, UK water companies discharged raw sewage 300,000 times, with United Utilities accounting for one-fifth of these incidents.

  • In addition to total discharges rising from just over 301,000 in 2022, the average number of discharges per storm overflow has increased to 33, an increase of more than 43.7%. For United Utilities this figure was 45.

  • In June 2023, ineffective maintenance by United Utilities resulted in a burst pipe, rendering Blackpool beach unsuitable for swimming and disappointing numerous holidaymakers.

  • While polluting rivers, United Utilities increased payouts for its top executives, with CEO Louise Beardmore set to receive a bonus approaching one million pounds.

  • In 2022, the top three executives at United Utilities received £1.6 million salaries.

  • In 2022/3, executive base pay at United Utilities was the highest of all major water companies, with top brass earning over £4,000,000 including bonuses.

  • In August 2023 United Utilities, alongside six other water companies, is scheduled to appear in court, which may lead to the company paying over £800 million in damages to more than 20 million customers.

  • United Utilities has also faced allegations of underreporting sewage spills and is currently under investigation by the courts.

  • In August 2023, United Utilities was fined £800,000 for excessive and unauthorized water extraction during a heatwave. 

  • A concerning 75% of UK rivers pose a significant risk to human health.