Not just the current incumbents, there have been Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) in place since the 1800s. No political party has been bothered about them when water companies were either nationalised or private
It's been getting worse for far longer than 24 months. The significant reasons are increases in population, significant increase in urban build over of permeable surfaces (gardens turned into paved areas etc) plus the increases in rainfall runoff generated by changing storm intensities.
You wouldn't have wanted to go into the Tyne river back in the 70's the amount of effluent, industrial waste and **** that was in the river back then.
I don't have an issue. I just don't get the argument that says its always been bad means that we have to carry on as is. We have made huge leaps in environmental awareness and environmental impact in most industries over the last 50years. The water industry appears to be getting worse, rather than better. To me its a strategic national industry - every £ it pays to shareholders is a £ it can't use to invest in solving the problem.
The Govt has agreed with the water companies that £56billion will be spent addressing this issue between now and 2050 The other significant issue is the major disruption it will create as entire sections of current surface water drainage will need to be increased in size.in order to overcome capacity issues which are creating the overflow problem in the first place. We have this with most major infrastructure upgrades. Everyone wants it done, but no-one wants the inconvenience or disruption. Wouldn't disagree that work shouldn't be underway already, however there are positive steps coming -
Right on cue! don’t forget to blame Boris for china’s pollution output and for the extinction of the dinosaurs too mate…..
