Anglian Water's Pollution Crisis: 12 Serious Incidents in 2025

Anglian Water has been rated 'requires improvement' by regulators for the fifth consecutive year, following 12 serious pollution incidents in 2025. The company, supplying water across the East of England, admitted "more to do" but highlighted that bathing waters are cleaner than in a decade.

Campaigners and scientists report high pollution levels in rivers like the Great Ouse and Deben. They point to combined storm overflows and pumping station failures as key causes. The company, which reported operating profits of £636 million, is investing over £2 billion in environmental schemes by 2030.

These investments have led to a 62% reduction in storm overflow spills and a 16% decrease in pollution events compared to the previous year. However, 501 sewage alerts were issued for Anglian bathing waters in 2025, affecting areas like Holland-on-Sea and Southend.

While Anglian Water notes a 30-year reduction in phosphate pollution and the removal of 340 storm overflows, some groups remain skeptical. Concerns about E. coli levels, particularly in the River Great Ouse, persist, with monitoring sites showing levels far exceeding safety standards.

The company is focused on tackling blockages, power failures, and structural issues, which account for 82% of pollution. Despite these efforts, the chief executive's bonus was withheld after a significant fish kill incident last year.