Sewage Contamination of Rivers : Time to Take a Stand

As property lawyers, we understand the immense importance of our environment and the connection it has with our clients. That is why we wholeheartedly support any action taken to preserve and conserve our rivers and countryside.

Recently, the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) was granted permission to join a case before the Supreme Court that will help protect the rights of people bringing claims against water companies who discharge sewage into rivers and seas. The case is between a water company, United Utilities, and the operators of Manchester Shipping Canal - centering on questions around water rights, undertakers’ sewage discharges, and private impact.

With this intervention at such a critical time for our rivers’ health, ELF aims to highlight the wider implications of this case as well as underling the urgent need for legal protection for those affected by sewage dumping across UK waterways. Government data shows that figure rising close to 373,000 times in 2021 alone – a shocking amount that can no longer be ignored.

It’s clear now more than ever that we must act not only to protect the rights of people impacted by such pollution but also take steps to prevent further damage from being done to our environment in future. We hope that this intervention by ELF will move us closer towards achieving just this.

This case will be heard in the Supreme Court on March 6th and 7th