Take Back South West Water

Water is a basic human right — not a source of private profit. For too long, South West Water has put shareholders before communities. Rising bills, sewage spills, and underinvestment in infrastructure are the result of a system that simply isn’t working for the people it serves.

It’s time for change. We’re calling for South West Water to be brought back into public ownership — where it belongs.

Public ownership would mean investment in long-term infrastructure, as opposed to prioritizing dividends for shareholders. Our communities deserve better: sustainable water management solutions, reduced bills, and a service that prioritizes people over profit.

Consider this: since its privatization, South West Water has faced numerous issues. Between 2020 and 2021 alone, Environment Agency statistics reported over 1,500 cases of sewage spills in key areas across the South West of England. Each spill represents potential harm to our precious water bodies, local wildlife, and even public health. Meanwhile, water bills in the South West remain among the highest in the UK, rising year on year. This is unjustifiable when juxtaposed with a failing service.

By bringing South West Water into public ownership, we can ensure that every penny is invested back into improving our water infrastructure. It's about creating resilient systems that can withstand climate change, population growth, and environmental challenges. A public entity would have the mandate to reinvest in sustainable practices, ensuring clean, safe water for everyone.

Furthermore, in public hands, there could be enhanced accountability. A non-profit-driven sector would be more transparent and directly accountable to the public, aligning its objectives with the actual water needs of our communities rather than shareholder profits.

Let's take a stand together. Our water should unite us, not divide us economically or environmentally. Bring South West Water back to where it serves the public interest.

Join us as we seek a fairer, more sustainable future for our water services. Sign this petition to demand the public ownership of South West Water.