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We are responsible for enforcing laws that protect the environment. We aim to use our enforcement powers efficiently and effectively to secure compliance, contributing to our work to create better places for people and wildlife, and to support sustainable development.
News
South West Water admit five offences in Plymouth and Polperro.
Charges relate to illegal discharges and breaches of environmental permits. The case was adjourned for sentencing at a later date. Read the press release
Governments launch largest review of sector since privatisation
The UK and Welsh Governments have introduced major legislation with new powers to bring criminal charges against water executives and a ban on bonuses. Read the press release.
Sanctions
Enforcement and sanctions policy
This Enforcement and sanctions policy explains the results we want to achieve, the regulatory and penalty principles we uphold, the options available to us, how we make enforcement decisions, the enforcement framework for the Climate Change schemes and the Control of Mercury regime.
Civil sanctions
An enforcement undertaking (EU) is a voluntary offer from an offender to make amends, usually including a payment to an environmental charity to carry out improvements in the local area.
Investigations and prosecutions
Environment Agency prosecutions
This dataset contains information on prosecutions by the Environment Agency under its regulatory powers. Included are cases completed from January 2000 that resulted in a conviction. The dataset does not include fisheries and navigation offences.
Major investigation
On 18 November 2021, the Environment Agency and Ofwat announced separate investigations into potential widespread non-compliance by water and sewerage companies at wastewater treatment works.
Guidance
Whistleblowing
You can confidentially report serious environmental wrongdoing by your employer to us.
Thank you for visiting our new water hub. This is a pilot service. We acknowledge not everything is covered here yet, this is a new offering which will grow over the coming months.
What are we responsible for?
We are responsible for enforcing laws that protect the environment. We aim to use our enforcement powers efficiently and effectively to secure compliance, contributing to our work to create better places for people and wildlife, and to support sustainable development.
News
South West Water admit five offences in Plymouth and Polperro.
Charges relate to illegal discharges and breaches of environmental permits. The case was adjourned for sentencing at a later date. Read the press release
Governments launch largest review of sector since privatisation
The UK and Welsh Governments have introduced major legislation with new powers to bring criminal charges against water executives and a ban on bonuses. Read the press release.
Sanctions
Enforcement and sanctions policy
This Enforcement and sanctions policy explains the results we want to achieve, the regulatory and penalty principles we uphold, the options available to us, how we make enforcement decisions, the enforcement framework for the Climate Change schemes and the Control of Mercury regime.
Civil sanctions
An enforcement undertaking (EU) is a voluntary offer from an offender to make amends, usually including a payment to an environmental charity to carry out improvements in the local area.
Investigations and prosecutions
Environment Agency prosecutions
This dataset contains information on prosecutions by the Environment Agency under its regulatory powers. Included are cases completed from January 2000 that resulted in a conviction. The dataset does not include fisheries and navigation offences.
Major investigation
On 18 November 2021, the Environment Agency and Ofwat announced separate investigations into potential widespread non-compliance by water and sewerage companies at wastewater treatment works.
Guidance
Whistleblowing
You can confidentially report serious environmental wrongdoing by your employer to us.
Thank you for visiting our new water hub. This is a pilot service. We acknowledge not everything is covered here yet, this is a new offering which will grow over the coming months.
Enforcement and sanctions policy
Environment Agency prosecutions
Major investigation