Hi John,

It's finally time to welcome the summer months and the warmer water that comes with it. 🌊

Meanwhile, did you hear about the Thames Water chief executive? Earlier this year it was reported that Thames Water CEO, Sarah Bentley, would join other water companies in dropping her CEO bonus. Great news, right? Or so it would seem. But she's still set to receive a pay packet of £1.5million, including a swell of payouts bigger than last year's bonus.

For a company with an abhorrent environmental track record, this is a disgusting way to spend billpayer money whilst plundering our waterways. More on dodgy water company finances here.

Keep your eyes on our social channels for updates. Next up, we're talking plastics.

We're sharing more of what goes on behind the scenes, starting with a monthly blog from our policy team. Our Policy and Research Manager Henry takes a look at the fact that 97% of Scotland's sewage overflow pipes are unmonitored, the local elections, and the shambles that is the UK DRS scheme plans. The Scottish DRS Scheme has fallen victim to lobbying from big manufacturers and interference from UK ministers. It's delay after delay and we're sick of it. Take a look. 👈

We also chatted about the Global Plastics Treaty last week, it's definitely worth a read.

Digital Ocean School expands!

One for the little ones. 👋We’ve launched a brand-new scene at Digital Ocean School, our immersive 360-online platform that reimagines the future of ocean education, to help educate young people on the state of our rivers and seas and how they can take positive action.

Ever wondered what happens when you flush something down the loo? Or where agricultural run off goes after heavy rainfall? Or maybe you just want to know if the water is safe to go into? Check it out.

💩 There were 708 SEWAGE POLLUTION ALERTS in May 💩

Across the UK, monitored by our Safer Seas and Rivers Service app.

As water companies continue to fail us, we'll keep ramping up the pressure. A huge 150,000 of you have signed our petition where we call for better control of water company finances. With thanks to you all for your support, the horrors of water company finances are now being shared with the public far and wide.

👉Sewage spills: Water bills set to rise to pay for £10bn upgrade - BBC News

👉Water chiefs forgo bonuses over public anger on sewage - The Independent

👉Water companies to face day of reckoning | Financial Times (ft.com)

We need 200,000 signatures so if you can help, share, sign, spread the word. 🙌

For the ocean,

🌊 Jade, Communications Officer