Yorkshire Water given lowest environmental rating by regulator

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 16:59 · Archive

Yorkshire Water has received a one-star environmental rating from the Environment Agency, the lowest possible grade. The company is one of four water companies in England to receive this rating in 2025.

The Environment Agency recorded 260 pollution incidents linked to Yorkshire Water in 2025, marking a more than 70 per cent increase on the previous year and the highest figure since 2011. A joint report by industry regulators said environmental performance across the water sector had fallen to its lowest level on record, with eight of nine English water companies rated as either 'poor' or 'requiring improvement'.

Chief executive Nicola Shaw announced her resignation following the downgrade. In a statement, she said: 'Although there remains a huge amount of work to do, I am extremely proud of what our colleagues have achieved, putting the business on a stronger footing for delivery across all aspects of its work. This now feels like the right time to begin an orderly transition to the company's next chapter.'

The downgrade has reignited criticism of Yorkshire Water's handling of sewage pollution, water leaks, customer service and rising bills. Political leaders have called for urgent reforms at the company. Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore said the resignation 'could not have come quick enough' following the pollution incident figures.

The report highlighted persistent issues across the sector with pollution incidents and permit breaches, indicating systemic problems in the English water industry despite previous reforms and investment.

How it is being reported

• 'Completely unacceptable' - Leaders call for urgent Yorkshire Water reformThe downgrade has reignited criticism of Yorkshire Water’s handling of sewage pollution, water leaks, customer service and rising bills.Telegraph & Argus · 30 Oct, 16:40
• Yorkshire Water set to be given lowest rating by the Environment AgencyRegulator to hand Yorkshire Water downgrade to lowest possible environmental ratingYorkshire Evening Post · 29 Oct, 16:33
• Long road ahead for Yorkshire Water but latest environmental performance shows the need for it to deliver improvements fastThe environmental performance of the water sector is wholly unacceptable. Regulators said eight of the nine water companies in England were either rated as “poor” or “requiring improvement” in 2025. The industry has hit a new nadir despite reforms and investment.Yorkshire Post · 29 Oct, 13:53

In this story: Yorkshire Water · Environment Agency · Nicola Shaw · Robbie Moore · England

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