New Delhi: The U.K. government has introduced new legislation that aims to crack down on water pollution and protect the country’s rivers, lakes, and seas. The Water (Special Measures) Bill, introduced by Environment Secretary Steve Reed, has been welcomed by environmental groups and campaigners, who say it will empower regulators and enable the government to take tougher action against water companies in recent years.
The proposed legislation will allow the Environment Agency to impose fines of up to £300 for pollution, increase the cost-recovery powers of regulators, and ban the payment of bonuses to water company executives if they fail to meet high standards of environmental performance. The Bill also aims to increase transparency in the water sector by requiring water companies to publish real-time data on emergency sewage overflows and pollution incidents, a UK government press release stated.
The government has described the Water (Special Measures) Bill as a landmark piece of legislation that will drive a substantial improvement in the performance of the water industry in England. The new measures are expected to create a more level playing field for businesses and ensure that investment in infrastructure is directed sustainably. The Bill will also support the government’s wider plans to transform the water sector and improve the quality of life for citizens.
If passed, the Water (Special Measures) Bill will represent a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to address water pollution and protect the U.K.’s water resources. The new legislation will empower regulators and enable the government to take tougher action against water companies in recent years. The introduction of the Bill is the next step in the Government’s three-stage approach to clean up waterways: reset, special measures, and further legislation.