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The government and the water regulator broke the law by allowing sewage to be discharged outside of “exceptional circumstances”, according to the green watchdog.
Outlets called combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are only meant to be opened on rare occasions, such as during very heavy rain to stop sewage flooding back into homes and businesses.
But the Office for Environmental Protection said environment department Defra, water regulator Ofwat and the Environment Agency failed to give guidance, permits and enforcement for the use of CSOs in line with the law.
The findings come in a crucial week for the water industry.
Britain’s largest company Thames Water is in court today trying to get approval for a £3bn loan to stop it running out of cash, and on Thursday Ofwat will give its final verdict on how much bills can increase.
Campaigners who made the complaint to the green watchdog said it showed pollution “plaguing” rivers would not be happening if the various bodies were doing their jobs properly.
Sewage discharges can cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever for swimmers, as well as harming wildlife and ecosystems.
The Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) has sent notices on what action must be taken to remedy the situation.
The various bodies have two months to respond, but a failure to take action could see them taken to court.
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Why are water bills increasing?
“The core issue identified in our investigation is the circumstances in which the regulatory system allows untreated sewage…
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