Friends of the Earth analysis finds South West Water had England's worst environmental record
Friends of the Earth ranked South West Water as England's worst environmental performer after assessing sewage spills, bathing-water pollution and other measures.
Friends of the Earth said South West Water placed among the three worst companies in four of six categories it examined. Its analysis found the company averaged 574,323 hours of sewage spills annually since 2024 and recorded 666 pollution incidents or warnings at designated bathing sites in 2025.
South West Water said spill numbers and duration fell over the past year despite higher rainfall, while the UK environment department called poor service and pollution unacceptable.