A survey by Ofwat, Trust and perceptions: People’s views on the water sector, finds that only one-third of people trust water companies to prevent sewage from entering waterways or to do no harm to biodiversity in the water environment.

Over half said untreated sewage had the most negative impact on rivers from a list which included farm waste, unflushables and pharmaceuticals.

Two-thirds said they trusted their water company to provide a reliable service and ensure good water quality – though trust to deliver all outcomes fell steadily across the 2022 calendar year.

Meanwhile, half of people said water companies put the interests of their shareholders/owners first while only one-fifth felt water companies act in the interests of customers or society.