United Utilities controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2024
Windermere raw-sewage discharge
A pumping-station malfunction at Bowness resulted in an almost 10-million-litre raw-sewage discharge into Windermere. The incident also drew criticism because notification to the Environment Agency was delayed.
2023
Sewage pollution and environmental compliance criticism
Reports identified United Utilities as a major source of sewage discharges in England, including prolonged releases affecting the River Ellen, Windermere and other waterways. Pollution concerns also affected proposed amenity woodland on council land in Stockport.
2023
Illegal Lancashire aquifer abstraction
The company was fined £800,000 for removing approximately 22 billion litres of water from the Lancashire aquifer without the required authorization.
2017
Court fine over unfit drinking water
United Utilities was fined £300,000 and ordered to pay £150,000 in costs after the 2015 contamination incident. The company also paid approximately £18 million in customer compensation.
2015
Cryptosporidium contamination incident
A cryptosporidium detection affected the drinking-water supply of more than 300,000 customers in parts of Lancashire and surrounding districts. Although no cases of cryptosporidiosis were reported, restrictions and additional treatment were required.