environment
Dirty water, death and decline: the inside story of a privatisation scandal
There is no end in sight to the pollution caused by a ‘broken’ system. Experts say it could even be getting worse
TL;DR
- Sarah Lambert fell critically ill with sepsis after swimming in sewage-polluted waters off Exmouth.
- The incident highlights issues within England's privatized water industry, including underinvestment and record sewage spills.
- A docudrama, 'Dirty Business,' explores decades of underinvestment and the relationship between water companies and regulators.
- England is unique in privatizing water, a model criticized by the UN rapporteur and environmental campaigners.
- Water companies have accumulated significant debt while paying out large dividends to shareholders.
- Critics argue that the regulator, Ofwat, is compromised due to its funding model.
- There is growing public support for renationalization of the water industry.
- Campaigners and some politicians advocate for public ownership, citing successful models elsewhere and debunking cost estimates for renationalization.
- South West Water and Thames Water face scrutiny for their performance and financial situations.
- Whistleblowers and environmental groups are pushing for greater transparency and accountability.