Privatised water must shoulder a huge chunk of the blame for the terrible state of England’s waterways, GMB Union has said.
A new report from the Environment Agency released today [Thursday] shows just 14% of England’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters are in good ecological health.
Gary Carter, GMB National Officer, said:
“The terrible state of England’s waterways is a badge of national shame - and privatised water companies must take a massive chunk of the blame.
“For years they’ve been allowed to pump sewage into our rivers, streams and lakes, as massive dividends and fat cat salaries take priority over repairing crumbling infrastructure.
“Water workers try to stem the tide but they are fighting with one arm tied behind their backs.
“The new regulator must be given the powers it needs to curb private water companies fouling our waterways - and workers must have a seat on the board.”
