Having been given an easy ride in the past, they can now be sued....
"Water companies could face a series of legal challenges after a landmark judgment from the Supreme Court ruled that private landowners and individuals can seek redress for sewage released into UK waterways.
The legal challenge was one of a number faced by water companies as anger mounts over the mixture of storm water and raw sewage that is pouring into rivers and coastal waters, threatening human health and the environment.
United Utilities had argued that the owners of the 129-year-old Manchester Ship Canal could not seek redress for the release of “untreated foul water”. They argued that the 1991 Water Industry Act, which privatised the sector, meant only regulators could take action.
However, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled unanimously that Manchester Ship Canal Company Limited was entitled to claim for damages from sewage pollution."
FT.com
"Water companies could face a series of legal challenges after a landmark judgment from the Supreme Court ruled that private landowners and individuals can seek redress for sewage released into UK waterways.
The legal challenge was one of a number faced by water companies as anger mounts over the mixture of storm water and raw sewage that is pouring into rivers and coastal waters, threatening human health and the environment.
United Utilities had argued that the owners of the 129-year-old Manchester Ship Canal could not seek redress for the release of “untreated foul water”. They argued that the 1991 Water Industry Act, which privatised the sector, meant only regulators could take action.
However, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled unanimously that Manchester Ship Canal Company Limited was entitled to claim for damages from sewage pollution."
FT.com