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LSE IQ podcast

Why are our rivers and seas polluted by sewage?

Jan 7, 2025
Professor Gwyn Bevan, a governance expert and author, and Dr. Kate Bayliss, an economist specializing in the UK water industry, tackle the scandal of sewage pollution due to illegal dumping by privatized water companies. They discuss the dire need for investment in wastewater management and the health risks of untreated discharges. The guests critique the financial dilemma posed by privatization, calling for greater accountability and potentially re-nationalizing water services to ensure better public health and environmental protection.
33:26

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The widespread illegal sewage dumping by privatised water companies poses severe public health risks, exemplified by a recent Cryptosporidium outbreak.
  • Individual activism, as demonstrated by Jo Bateman's legal battle against sewage pollution, highlights the urgent need for community involvement in environmental issues.

Deep dives

The Sewage Crisis: A Growing Threat

The rising levels of sewage pollution in rivers and seas have become a significant public health concern, particularly with reports of heightened pathogens in the water. Recent investigations revealed that water companies in England and Wales have been discharging untreated wastewater excessively, leading to dangerous bacterial exposure among swimmers and residents. The incident in Brixham, where residents had to boil tap water due to a Cryptosporidium outbreak, illustrates the urgency of addressing this pollution crisis. This situation threatens not only recreational water activities but also the overall safety of drinking water supplies, indicating a severe public health hazard.

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