The purpose of the new Water (Special Measures) Bill is to fortify weak authorities in order to confront water businesses that discharge sewage into lakes, rivers, and oceans and quell public outrage.
Green organizations have warmly hailed the new information as a “important first step” toward cleaning up the nation’s dirty rivers, lakes, and oceans.
However, given all the other issues with the waterways, they argue that there is still a long way to go, and the government has recognized the need for “wider reform”.
How does the proposed water bill work?
The law, which could take effect in the new year, would boost fines and perhaps result in a two-year jail sentence for water executives who refuse to participate or obstruct investigations by, for example, providing data slowly.
Although there is currently legislation that enables bosses to be imprisoned for various offenses, the government claims that despite “widespread illegality,” none of these cases have been successfully prosecuted.
“The public are furious that in 21st-century Britain, record levels of sewage are being pumped into our rivers, lakes, and seas,” stated Environment Secretary Steve Reed. Our rivers are currently in an intolerable state as a result of years of neglect.
