What is the Water Restoration Fund?

The Water Restoration Fund is a program set up by the previous UK government to ensure that fines and penalties paid by water companies are reinvested into the environment, rather than returned to the Treasury.

Which water companies were fined for causing pollution incidents?

Five major water firms - Anglian Water, South West Water, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, and United Utilities - were fined for causing pollution incidents between April 2022 and October 2023.

What types of restoration projects are being funded in the Exmoor National Park and Windermere?

In Exmoor National Park, the funding is being used to restore riverbeds, while in Windermere, the focus is on tackling septic tank spills.

Home / Environment / £10 Million in Fines Funding Restoration of Polluted Waterways

£10 Million in Fines Funding Restoration of Polluted Waterways

3 Oct

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Summary

£10 million in water company fines directed to 51 restoration projects
Efforts include rewilding, floodplain restoration, and water quality assessments
Funds come from penalties paid by 5 major water firms for pollution incidents

£10 Million in Fines Funding Restoration of Polluted Waterways

As of October 3rd, 2025, the UK government has announced that over £10 million in water company fines has been directed towards restoring waterways affected by sewage pollution. The funds are supporting 51 projects across England, including efforts to revive riverbeds in Exmoor National Park and tackle septic tank spills into Windermere.

The restoration work involves a range of active measures, such as restoring floodplains and rewilding, as well as assessments of water quality and the development of improvement plans. The money has been ring-fenced from millions paid in fines by five major water firms - Anglian Water, South West Water, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, and United Utilities - after they caused pollution incidents between April 2022 and October 2023.

The funding is being issued through the Water Restoration Fund, which was set up by the previous government to ensure that fines and penalties levied against water companies are reinvested into the environment rather than returned to the Treasury. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds has stated that the government is committed to holding water companies accountable and reinvesting in areas harmed by their rule-breaking.

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