Thousands Sue Over Alleged 6-Year Sewage Pollution in Welsh Rivers

As of October 8th, 2025, a group of almost 4,000 residents and business owners in England and Wales have taken legal action against Welsh Water, Avara Foods Ltd, and Freemans of Newent Ltd, alleging they are responsible for six years of extensive sewage pollution that has devastated three major rivers: the Wye, Lugg, and Usk.

The claimants, who number 3,943, are seeking substantial damages from the companies, as well as a court order to compel them to take remedial action to clean up the rivers. These waterways are supposed to be protected for their importance to rare wildlife, including otters, freshwater pearl mussels, and Atlantic salmon, but the pollution has caused significant harm to the ecosystems.

The lead claimant, wildlife filmmaker Justine Evans, who has lived in the Wye area since 2012, says the river was once a beautiful place enjoyed by many people, but its condition has deteriorated to the point where she no longer feels comfortable going in it. The state of the Wye has become a symbol of the poor condition of rivers across England and Wales, which are suffering from a toxic mix of sewage and agricultural runoff pollution.

The companies being sued all deny the claims, but the legal action is seen as a concrete step towards protecting these vital national ecosystems, which have been the subject of national media coverage, public campaigns, and government pledges in recent years.