What Trickles Down - A Cable Investigation

Aim

A year of dedicated reporting uncovering real-world consequences of water company failures for communities in Bristol and South West region

Water companies have long been the focus of public anger over pollution and the threat this poses wildlife and humans. While millions of litres of sewage is dumped into our rivers, lakes and coastal waters, the bosses of these regional monopolies are cashing in while much needed investment is slow.

Water executives, including in our region at Wessex Water, have been banned from receiving performance-related bonuses after serious pollution incidents or other environmental violations. And in the wake of a series of scandals, all are now required to collect and publish data on sewage spills to stop violations from being hidden.

But this recent regulatory action has been criticised for not going far enough. Gaps in reporting on the true scale of pollution incidents remain, and bonus payments to executives go unexplained. The need for proper, local and investigative reporting on such a serious issue is a clear as our waters are murky.

This reporting is both expensive and time consuming, and we need your help to make it happen. 

Your contribution will fund:

• A year of dedicated reporting uncovering real-world consequences of water company failures for communities in Bristol and South West region
• Record requests and data analysis aimed at uncovering pollution incidents, corporate misconduct and regulatory failings
• A dedicated investigative reporter for the year-long project, and their training

Why?

• Environmental damage: Pollution incidents can damage rivers, beaches and wildlife.
• High executive pay: Bosses receive large salaries and bonuses despite poor performance
• Sewage pollution: Untreated sewage has been discharged into rivers and seas, harming ecosystems and public health
• Leaks: Large amounts of treated water are lost through leaking pipes
• Debt: Many companies have built up significant debt while paying money out to investors
• Rising bills: Customers face increasing water bills despite ongoing problems.
• Underinvestment: Critics argue that infrastructure has not been upgraded quickly enough.
• Accountability: Customers can feel they have little power when companies perform badly because switching providers isn't an option

Goals:

• Create more transparency around water services in our region and the rest of the UK, and advocate for their improvement
• Hold water companies to account for any wrongdoing we uncover
• Use our findings to influence policymaking, and provide campaigners with information to continue doing the same
• Provide a blueprint/reporting recipe for other local media and campaigners to investigate water companies in their region

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 18th November 2026 at 10:00am