The government has announced new financial penalties for water companies who commit environmental offences.
Under changes being considered by the government, water companies could face quicker penalties of up to £500,000.
The Environment Agency says it currently struggles to impose financial penalties for frequent, minor and moderate offending, like licence or permit breaches, because it needs the same high legal standard of proof used in criminal courts. This means penalties are too expensive and time consuming to pursue for less serious offences.