Three water corporations are going through a mixed file first-rate of £168m after a chain of failings, which include over sewage remedy.
Thames Water, Northumbrian Water and Yorkshire Water have been issued the penalty via way of means of regulator Ofwat.
Thames changed into going through a first-rate of £104m.
It follows an research into the firms` control in their sewage remedy works and wider networks.
There has been growing issue over pollutants of the UK’s rivers and coastlines in latest years.
Analysis of Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs facts recommended sewage changed into dumped into rivers, lakes and seashores designated “secure to wash in” a median of 86 instances an afternoon in 2023.
Environment Agency figures additionally confirmed untreated sewage discharges doubled from 1.eight million hours in 2022 to a file 3.6 million in 2023.
Several water corporations have additionally come below developing scrutiny over their monetary fitness and plans to growth bills.