Who we are
We are a small, unpaid team of largely retired specialists from a wide range of disciplines — including data analysis, ecology, financial auditing, accounting, publishing, economics, law, and investigation — working alongside field volunteers.
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Established in 2017, we have helped shape the national conversation on by exposing repeated failures in the water industry. Among the most serious findings is the scale of illegal, untreated sewage pollution released by water companies, often unchecked by regulators and enabled by a system in which pollution has become a profitable alternative to investment.
What started us thinking?
Before
This was the River Windrush in 2009. The water was clear and the weed abundant – ideal conditions for wildlife.
Photo taken in May 2009
After
This is the precisely same spot, with similar conditions at the same time of year 11 years later in 2020.
Photo taken in August 2020
Storm overflows in action
It doesn't have to be like this.
This is a commercial choice made by water company owners.
Latest updates
We thank the Thames Water staff who have taken the time to show us around sewage works and respond to our many written enquiries, and we acknowledge the professionalism with which many of you operate under extremely challenging conditions.
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We extend that thanks to Environment Agency staff who have stood up for our waters when leadership made that difficult, and who continue that work today.