The Public’s Verdict on the Water Bill 

The King’s Speech just confirmed the Clean Water Bill. Before bringing it forward, the government should have consulted the public on their plans. They didn’t. So we did. And the verdict is damning. 

A bit of background – Where are we in the Water Bill process, and what should we expect? 

On the 20th January 2026, the Government released its White Paper, aka their “Vision for clean water”, kickstarting the long-overdue process of transforming our broken water industry through a Water Bill.  

This is a HUGE moment that has culminated after years of hard, dedicated and persistent campaigning across the UK. So, remember to soak in the achievement and take a moment to enjoy the win, before we delve into the details of where it’s gone wrong, why we need to keep up the fight, and how you can help put the pressure on like never before.

Right now, the Government are powering ahead with the Water Reform Bill (which is due to pass through Parliament later this year), without consulting the public. And considering the White Paper was a total whitewash (read this blog to find out why), we couldn’t let them get away with it. 

The public deserve a say over the future of our water. So we teamed up with 38 degrees and ran a consultation ourselves.  

The Public’s Verdict

Swansea paddle-out – Alex Wilson

Nearly 40,000 people took part in our national consultation between 9th February and 8th March, sharing their views on what was proposed in the Government’s plans for the water industry.  And the results could not be more clear. The consultation reveals a decisive gap between what the Government is proposing and what the public is demanding. Here’s what the public really have to say on the matter: 

Current plans from Government don’t go far enough 

82% say the Government is not doing enough to tackle the sewage scandal. More than half of respondents said the current plans will fail to end the scandal. Only 1% believe the current proposals will actually fix the problem.  

The public are angry and concerned about rising bills 

People are not just angry about sewage. They are angry about being expected to pay more to fix a system that has been asset-stripped for decades to fund shareholder dividends and executive bonuses.  

82% are very concerned about the affordability of their water bills – which are set to rise by at least a third over the next five years.  

The public wants people and the planet put before payouts 

There is an overwhelming mandate for structural reform. 72% back public ownership as the most effective solution. Nearly 70% say shareholders should make no profit from water at all.  

This is now an electoral issue 

54% say a party’s stronger stance on sewage and water companies would influence how they vote. Whilst Labour was the most popular party at the last election, current voting intention shows a surge in Green support, and Labour support collapsing. The Government has been warned.  

The bottom line – This is the public mandate the Government cannot ignore.  

Ultimately, public confidence in the management of England’s water industry has collapsed. Bills are rising, sewage is still being dumped on an industrial scale, and the Government’s proposed reforms are failing to convince anyone that things will actually change. 

Falmouth Paddle-Out Protest – Mat Arney

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity for transformational change. But only if the Government takes it.  

The Clean Water Bill as it stands risks locking us into the same old broken system. It does nothing to end this failed privatised model or restructure water companies to deliver in the public interest. Since privatisation, water companies have extracted £85 billion in dividends. One third of every pound we spend on our water bills goes straight to paying shareholders and financing debt. Whilst our bills keep rising, their payouts keep coming. Safe, clean water should be a right, not a revenue stream. The government must put public health before shareholder payouts.

Once in a generation reform must mean transformative change. That is why we are calling on the UK Government to step in and restructure England’s water companies so that the decisions about how companies are run and water is used are taken by the public and for the public. 

What we’re calling for 

• Public health must come first. Profit from sewage pollution must end.  

• The Government must end the current privatised water industry.  

• The Government must take back control of water companies and restructure them, removing the profit motive, to ensure they operate for people and the environment. No option, including public ownership, should be off the table.  

• Before bringing forward the Water Bill, the Government must carry out a thorough review of all water company ownership models. The public has given a clear direction of travel: they want no option ruled out.  

How you can put pressure on Government to act

We can’t miss this moment. We’ve got to ensure the Government listens to the public and takes this opportunity to ensure we get a Water Bill that’s actually fit for purpose. Here’s how you can help get us there:  

1. Sign the petition and help us make sure this once in a generation opportunity isn’t wasted.
2.  Share the petition far and wide. We’ve getting so close to our target. If we all share with one new person now, we could hit half a million signatures – now that’s a mandate Kier Starmer can’t ignore.