Ashley Walker ISL
At a time when climate change places additional pressure on water usage and threatens to create water scarcity, 20% of water pumped through Britain’s water infrastructure is lost to leaks [1]. According to the Environment Agency, in 2023 there were 3.6 million hours of spills, compared to 1.75 million hours in 2022, [4] with 477,972 spills reported in 2023. Spills is the official term used for the deliberate dumping of sewage by water companies. [5]
Arrogant companies suggest individuals save water by cutting down time spent in showers, wash clothes less often and other such inadequate solutions. [3]
Under current regulations a limited number of spills, during periods of excess rainfall, are permitted. However, a BBC investigation suggests there were 388 potential “dry spills” by Thames, Wessex and Southern Water in 2022, showing spills also occur under dry conditions, which leads to a greater concentration of sewage entering waterways without rainwater to dilute it. [4]
An example of the risk of being exposed to contaminated water: ‘The contaminated water could lead to serious illnesses… Risks include gastrointestinal illnesses, or stomach bugs, which may cause diarrhea and/or vomiting, as well as respiratory, skin, ear and eye infections. Rowers taking part in the 2024 Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge in London have been warned not to enter the Thames after high levels of E. coli were found.’ [4]
Dumping raw sewage into rivers and seas also has a disastrous effect on plant and animal life. Only 14% of English rivers are considered to have good ecological status. [6]
Some waterworks have had no investment since 1950s. [2] While water bills have gone up by 40% in real terms since privatisation. [6]
A survey of wastewater workers, by GMB – a union representing workers in the industry, shows that 64% of workers do not think the network is in a good enough condition to minimise sewage leaks and discharges, with only 42% claiming that spills involving sewage are always reported properly. [2]
Capitalist profiteering
The water infrastructure, in England and Wales, was privatised in 1989 because of Thatcher’s ideological commitment to neoliberalism, and, not wanting to pay for the much needed infrastructure investment. Polling at the time showed a substantial majority of the British population opposed the privatisation of water. Since then, around £70 billion has been paid in dividends to shareholders. [1]
Many water companies are in deep debt due to massive borrowing, with a large proportion of the borrowed money being paid in dividends to shareholders. [1] Water companies are collectively in around £60 billion worth of debt. [6]
Over 90% of the English water companies are owned by international investors, private equity funds and banks. Only 8.5% of shareholders in the water industry are UK pension funds. [6]
Welsh Water is a not for profit company, with Scottish Water and Northern Irish Water both in public ownership. [6]
English water companies are regional monopolies. A huge amount of capital is required to open a new water company and most of the best infrastructure is already owned by existing water companies. Regulation has failed to reign in water companies and has helped with profiteering. [1]
A documentary, by Joe Lycett for Channel 4, features an insider stating that there are bonuses and promotions handed out for the avoidance of spill reporting. Managers are creating toxic environments to dissuade workers from reporting spills. This same documentary reveals many instances of senior staff in the two regulating companies, the Environment Agency and OFWAT, leaving to take up jobs at water companies and vice-versa. The Environment Agency’s pension fund has around £23 million in shares across many water companies. [2]
The solution
While water companies promise more investment, funded by rising prices, the government makes token commitments to help the problem and Labour say they will target the bonuses of water company bosses and issue harsher fines. The actual solution is glaringly obvious.
69% of the British public want water infrastructure back in public hands. [4] Anecdotally, almost if not everyone believe much more needs to be done to improve the water system.
Complete re-nationalisation of all water infrastructure, without compensation, and done under workers’ control, with water infrastructure democratically managed by workers and communities. This is the solution.
With all profit reinvested back into the system until every leak and spill is stopped, the capacity of the system is expanded and the system is proofed against shocks likely to be caused by climate change.
The abolition of the ineffective and broken regulators to be replaced by an independent democratically elected system of monitoring water infrastructure.
The shocking state of Britain’s water system is an example of neoliberalism and capitalism profiteering from public services.
Most of all, exposing why capitalism its systems and supporters in governments can never be trusted. Profit is the sole motive irrelevant of the damage left in its wake.
Workers must demand an end to all privatisations and call for the complete nationalisation, without compensation – under workers’ and communities’ control of all public services!
This can only be achieved under a workers’ government following a democratic and socialist programme!
We call for the establishment of a new workers’ party in Britain to help bring this about! The ISL commit ourselves to help build such a party! Join the ISL to help us build our group and fight for a democratic workers’ party based on the struggles of workers and all oppressed people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNI_O85RFAI&t=344s&ab_channel=TLDRNews [1]
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/joe-lycett-vs-sewage [2]
https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/news/how-to-save-money-on-your-energy-bills-by-using-less-water [3]