Water companies replacing just 0.5% of England’s crumbling sewers annually

Analysis of maintenance data has revealed firms responsible for upkeep and improvements to Britain’s wastewater network must do more, experts say.

English water companies would take 2000 years to replace all pipes that need upgrading based on the current work rate, according to leaked data. 

The story was first reported by The Guardian based on analysis of Water UK data conducted by the Angling Trust, which found firms are updating just 0.5% of the network each year. The news has come at a time when the sector has come under sharp criticism for the large volumes of fresh water lost annually as a result of problems with the system, and significant public health and environmental concerns due to raw sewage being dumped or leaking into lakes, rivers, and coastal bays. 

According to Ofwat, the water industry regulator, water companies lost an averGE OF 2,923.8 litres of water daily in 2021-22, or 1.06tn litres over the course of that year. Amid one of the driest years on record, with rainfall well below average and summer temperatures peaking above 40C, swathes of England and Wales currently have hosepipe bans in place limiting water usage in a bid to ensure that, should conditions continue, there will be no shortages in the coming months. 

Last week, Environment Journal reported on new satellite images that have emerged which show the extent and impact of the drought on Britain, which large parts of England, particularly in the east and south east, showing as a light brown colour, signifying the arid landscape. Farmers have already warned potatoes will be smaller than normal, and recently voiced concerns that the ground may be too dry to plant seeds. 

Image credit: Marco Bicca