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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Pippa Neill Environment reporter

REVEALED: South west water has worst environmental record in england analysis shows | Vintage Vibes

Exmouth beach with people in the sea
Exmouth beach in Devon. South West Water recorded 666 pollution incidents or warnings in 2025. Photograph: Greg Balfour Evans/Alamy

South West Water is doing more harm to the environment than any other water company in England, according to new analysis, with more sewage discharged in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset than anywhere else.

Friends of the Earth analysed water companies’ environmental performance in six categories: sewage spills, water quality at bathing sites, pollution incidents or warnings at bathing sites, severity of sewage pollution at bathing sites, the percentage of rivers rated below the standard for good ecological health, and the affordability of bills.

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