Hi John,
This is huge.
Today, the Independent Water Commission released its final report – the biggest review of the water industry in over 30 years. And it’s dominating today’s headlines.
This moment – this national reckoning with a broken, polluting water system – only exists because of people like you. From paddling out and protesting to emailing your MP, you’ve helped drag this issue to the top of the political agenda.
And it’s working. The government is being forced to do something about the sewage crisis.
We delved into the 460 page report (so that you don't have to). And uncovered good news and bad. Here's what we found:
What's in the report that we welcome?
✅ A National Water Strategy – long overdue and essential for joined-up action.
✅ 8 new regional water planning bodies – a step toward public involvement, but only if they’re given real power.
✅ A new public health target in water law – something we’ve long demanded to better protect swimmers and communities.
But here’s the catch: the report doesn’t go far enough. While it contains some strong recommendations, it fails to tackle the root cause of the crisis — a profit-driven water system.
What’s missing? And why it's a huge problem.
🚫 No real structural reform. Water companies will still be allowed to prioritise shareholders over the public.
🚫 The report tweaks water company licences – but keeps profit as a key goal.
🚫 No use of Special Administration powers to fix failing companies.
🚫 Fails to confront the toxic financial culture enabled by Ofwat.
🚫 Still allows self-monitoring – the same failed system that’s let pollution thrive for decades.
Let’s be honest: this is like putting lipstick on a pig. It’s still a pig. And we can’t settle for half measures.
The report paints a damning picture of the water sector — but without bold government action to restructure it for the public good, we will keep swimming in sewage while polluters rake in profits.
Keir Starmer and Environment Secretary Steve Reed have a clear mandate from voters to clean up our waters. This is the moment to show leadership, end the profit-before-planet model, and fix this system once and for all.
That’s why we launched a powerful open letter to the government demanding real change, with 36 organisations — including Greenpeace UK, GMB Union and WWF — signing on.
But today, the most powerful thing you can do is help fuel this fight.
None of this progress would be possible without you.
All of our work – investigations, media exposés, and relentless public pressure – is powered by our members.
If you believe in clean water and a thriving ocean, join us as a member today and help power the next phase of the fight.
It’s time for real change. No more lip service. No more tinkering. No more swimming in sh*t.
Are you with us, John?
Thanks for standing with us at this crucial moment. We won’t stop until the tide turns. 🌊
Henry
Senior Policy & Advocacy Manager
Surfers Against Sewage
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