Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Levy Water Companies to Fund Year-Round Water Testing to Safeguard Public Health

Closed 163 signatures

What the petition asks

Year-round, real-time water quality testing for all UK rivers, lakes, and seas.
Levy Polluting water companies to fund improved testing infrastructure, monitoring, and public alerts (“polluter pays” principle).
Enhance public health protections.
There are growing numbers of reported illnesses linked to polluted water, including life-threatening infections. Real-time testing exists. We call on water companies to be levied to fund the Environment Agency to roll it out nationwide, all year round. We think winter testing is essential, as some of the largest sewage discharges occur out of season, when there’s likely to be less public awareness or monitoring. Set clear safety standards. Track and report illness. Provide care for those affected. Protect people, not profits. We think clean water isn’t a luxury, it’s a basic human right and a legacy we owe future generations.

Timeline

20 Aug 2025 Petition opened for signatures
20 Feb 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 163
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 20 Aug 2025
Closed 20 Feb 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 9 Aug 2026.