Only one week remains to submit responses to the Environment Agency’s consultation on recovering costs for water company enforcement - deadline to respond is 11:59pm on 26 May 2025.

Following the introduction of the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025, the Environment Agency is now able to recover additional costs associated with regulating the water industry. This includes the cost of existing and new enforcement activities which were previously funded by government Grant in Aid.

The proposals – set out in a consultation seeking views from the industry, campaigners and members of the public – will see a levy on water companies.

Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:

“The Water (Special Measures) Act was a crucial step in making sure water companies take full responsibility for their impact on the environment.

“The increased regulatory powers introduced by this legislation, including cost recovery for our enforcement work, will allow us to close the justice gap, deliver swifter enforcement action and ultimately deter illegal activity.”

The EA is currently undertaking the biggest ever transformation to the way we regulate the water industry with investment in people, training and digital assets.

The consultation proposes a new levy to raise on certain water discharge activities and is designed to recover costs associated with the Environment Agency’s enforcement work directly from water companies. The cost recovery powers are set out under the Water (Special Measures) Act and all activities will be in line with the Environment Agency’s enforcement and sanctions policy.

Following conclusion of the consultation, the new charging scheme to be finalised and implemented this summer.

Click here to download the consultation paper

Click here to access the consultation online