The author of a recent government review on reforming the water industry in England and Wales suggests that producers of wet wipes should be held responsible for removing their pollution from the country’s waterways. In addition to wet wipes, other sources of pollution include microplastics, consumer products, and chemicals from modern manufacturing. The author proposes applying the “polluter pays” principle, which would require the companies responsible for the pollution to contribute towards its removal. This comes after a significant review of the sector was published, which calls for a tougher regulatory approach and the establishment of a new, powerful regulator to ensure accountability from water companies. Campaigners have welcomed the recommendations, which include mandatory reporting of sewage spills, but some feel that the review missed opportunities to address issues such as nationalization of the water industry and more radical approaches. The idea of holding polluters accountable for their actions in generating some of the worst pollutants, such as wet wipes and “forever chemicals,” is gaining support, with some calling for producers to cover the costs of more advanced sewage treatment methods.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/26/make-wet-wipe-producers-pay-for-polluting-england-waterways-says-report
