The alarming number of illegal sewage spills in the UK - as highlighted by recent news - paints a concerning picture of our environmental health and conservation efforts. This issue demands immediate action, but it also presents a crucial opportunity. By fostering collaboration and partnerships across sectors, we can not only protect our waterways but also create a more sustainable, circular economy and treat wastewater as a valuable resource.

With the harmful effects of sewage spills apparent, a recent survey commissioned by ESS Expo, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), the Environmental Services Association (ESA), and charity Groundwork, revealed that 52% of environment professionals are ‘extremely’ concerned regarding pollution in rivers.

An even more telling statistic shows all (100%) of the 1,498 professionals surveyed expressed some level of concern about river pollution.

While the green sector is making key strides with new technologies and solutions, it is still not working as collaboratively or collectively with external changemakers as it could be. A sustainable future demands a unified approach between government, industry, and environmental organisations. It is only when this happens that we will be able to effectively tackle water pollution and drive innovation of cleaner technologies.

However, there is a beacon of hope from the report – a resounding 85% of industry professionals believe collaboration and partnerships are ‘essential’ or ‘very important’ for achieving environmental change, signalling the industry does indeed stand ready to collaborate.

Hopefully, the 6,000 plus illegal sewage spills revealed will be a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction (BBC News, 2024). Together, we must act with urgency, not just to address immediate environmental concerns, but also to formalise a future with proper legislation for water companies.  

By Rob Mowat, Managing Director of ESS Expo

Find the full National Environmental Services Survey Report 2024 here: https://www.ess-expo.co.uk/national-environmental-services-survey-insights-2024

Register to attend ESS Expo from 11-12 September at the NEC Birmingham, here: https://www.ess-expo.co.uk/