Allegations have surfaced that untreated sewage is surfacing on streets, according to a prominent activist involved in Channel 4’s Dirty Business series. Ash Smith criticized the Environment Agency, accusing them of neglecting their responsibility to monitor waterways adequately.
Smith and Professor Peter Hammond from Windrush Against Sewage Pollution have been leading a campaign to expose the issue of untreated sewage being discharged into rivers, a central theme in Channel 4’s impactful three-part program. The show also chronicles the struggle of Julie Maughan, whose daughter Heather Preen tragically contracted E.coli, leading to her death after visiting a Devon beach in 1999.
In the series, actors portray Ash and Peter, who have spent years investigating water companies’ practices with the help of whistleblowers. During an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Ash expressed frustration at the lack of action from regulators, stating that water companies continue to pollute without consequences.
Prof Hammond emphasized the need for public outrage and urged individuals to demand more accountability from authorities. He called for the removal of profit incentives in the water industry and advocated for increased public ownership and control.
Responding to the allegations, an Environment Agency spokesperson defended the agency’s efforts, highlighting recent improvements in tackling water pollution. They mentioned increased inspections and enforcement actions against water companies, including pending sentencing for Thames Water over sewage discharges.