Working with Water Companies – Position Paper
South Cumbria Rivers Trust 07/08/2025
Summary Statement
South Cumbria Rivers Trust is a small independent charity aiming to protect and restore the region’s rivers for people and wildlife. Where possible, we work in partnership with a range of organisations, including United Utilities where collaboration can lead to tangible environmental improvements. We recognise the role that water companies have in solving catchment-wide challenges but alongside our umbrella organisation, we are calling for greater accountability of water companies in relation to pollution and poor performance. By delivering nature-based solutions and sustainable interventions, supporting local communities, and utilising a science-based approach, we aim to create healthier, more resilient lakes and rivers across South Cumbria—now and for the future.
1. The Issue – Why Is This Relevant to South Cumbria Rivers Trust?
Water and wastewater utilities are the most significant actors in the UK’s water sector. SCRT recognise that United Utilities possess an irreplaceable store of knowledge and expertise which holds and will continue to hold great value for this and future generations. However, United Utilities activities in South Cumbria have a direct and significant impact on the quantity and quality of water in our rivers through both abstraction and the discharge of treated and untreated effluent. These utilities manage a wide network of infrastructure that directly influences river health and are connected to nearly every home and business in the region.
United Utilities also has a legal duty and multifaceted interest in catchment health, reflecting its financial, community, and environmental responsibilities. Through programmes such as the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP), they aim to reduce pollution, improve water quality, and support sustainable land and water management. United Utilities influence land use through both direct management and tenanted agreements—affecting water quality, biodiversity, and carbon outcomes.
2. Why Is Working with Water Companies Contentious?
Water companies are frequently cited as a leading cause of river pollution in England. According to the Environment Agency:
•43% of river failures are due to treated sewage discharges,
•12% from storm overflows,
•7% from groundwater abstraction,
•4% from surface water abstraction.
This pollution, coupled with historic underinvestment in infrastructure, has led to widespread ecological damage. The Environmental Audit Committee and Office for Environmental Protection have raised concerns about weak regulation and the failure of responsible bodies to prevent environmental harm.
This context makes collaboration with water companies controversial. There is significant public distrust, and rightly so in many cases. However, given the scale and influence of these companies, systemic river recovery cannot happen without their involvement.
3. Our Role in Transparency and Engagement with the Public
SCRT is committed to independence, transparency, and engagement with the public.
We work with The Rivers Trust and other partners to advocate for improved accountability on the part of water companies, including United Utilities. This includes:
•Contributing to public tools like the Rivers Trust Sewage Map;
•Reporting pollution incidents to the Environment Agency;
•Sharing evidence to drive public debate and political action.
We believe that transparency improves the water sector and strengthens public trust.
4. Legal and Regulatory Context
Water companies in England are regulated under:
•The Water Resources Act
•The Water Industry Act
•The Water Act
•The Environment Act
Regulatory oversight is shared among:
•DEFRA – policy and legislation,
•Natural England – protected sites and species, nature recovery and biodiversity net gain (BNG)
•Environment Agency – permits, compliance, pollution control,
•Ofwat – the current regulator for financial performance and customer value,
•Drinking Water Inspectorate – drinking water safety.
While each body has specific duties, the regulatory framework has been criticised as fragmented and ineffective. This creates systemic problems that hinder accountability and action.
5. South Cumbria Rivers Trust – Our Position
SCRT believes that working constructively with United Utilities—when clear public and environmental benefits are achievable—is essential to long-term river health in South Cumbria.
This does not mean we support poor performance or excuse environmental damage. Instead, we advocate for:
•Nature-based solutions over engineered “end-of-pipe” interventions,
•Catchment-scale thinking that addresses upstream causes,
•Better integration of flood, drought, and land-use planning.
We are proud of our trusted, practical delivery model—working with third-party landowners, farmers, businesses, communities, and government bodies across South Cumbria. Our partnerships are always rooted in evidence, transparency, and independence.
6. Our Approach to Working with Water Companies
SCRT has previously delivered collaborative, funded projects with United Utilities that:
•Support Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS),
•Deliver natural flood management and buffer strips,
•Improve habitat and biodiversity,
•Restore populations of iconic species (e.g. salmon, trout, eels, white-clawed crayfish),
•Address diffuse pollution at a catchment scale.
These projects apply the Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) to ensure inclusion, science-led decision making, and meaningful community engagement.
Where we collaborate with water companies, we:
•Retain full editorial control over communications,
•Reject any clauses that limit our ability to speak publicly,
•Continue to report pollution incidents, regardless of partnerships,
•Ensure the truthful communication of outcomes and impacts.
We are fully committed to maintaining our independence.
7. Summary
South Cumbria Rivers Trust’s approach to working with water companies is:
•Pragmatic – We work with all stakeholders to accelerate river recovery.
•Evidence-led – We use science, data, and real-world outcomes to guide decisions.
•Transparent – We speak openly about who we work with, and why.
•Accountable – We do not shy away from challenging poor performance.
Water companies must be part of the solution to our river crisis. Through principled collaboration, independent action, and a commitment to public interest, SCRT aims to drive lasting, systemic change across South Cumbria’s lakes, rivers, and catchments.
