Water experts are demanding an independent inquiry into water by the next government after failures by the Conservative ministers have led to increased sewage pollution, urban flooding and water supply interruptions. The lack of implementation for "sponge cities" by the Tories has resulted in increasing cases of water being cut off in households and businesses.
The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management published a comprehensive report which called for the next government to order an independent investigation into water companies, who stand accused of widespread pollution and profiteering, and the regulators, who have failed to robustly control the privatised industry.
The institute claims that trust in water companies has been impacted by "repeated reports of pollution and profiteering, both public and water practitioners want more transparency and assurance that companies are acting in the interest of society and the environment".
The report produced demands for rules to create sponge cities to finally be implemented after a decade in which ministers have delayed and attempted to scrap the plans. Sponge cities are urban zones with multiple areas of greenery, trees, ponds, soakaways, pocket parks and permeable paving to allow water to drain away. They also include measures to store rainwater and runoff, such as widespread use of water butts. Under-investment in water company sewage systems has led to increased runoff from rainfall overwhelming the systems which have not been maintained. The extra water causes more raw sewage to be discharged, while hard surfaces in towns and cities increase the risk of flooding.
The findings of the report which asked 4,000 members of the public, found 71% of people in England believed water company profits should be restricted because of performance concerns. Two-thirds said companies made too much profit.
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