Extinction Rebellion stages 'poo protest' outside United Utilities

The protest, which commenced at 10am and lasted just an hour and 15 minutes, was situated outside the Lingley Mere Business Park in Great Sankey during the utility company’s annual general meeting.

Manned with poo-themed props, including a brown umbrella with cut outs of cartoon faeces, the demonstrators aimed to condemn the dumping of untreated sewage into rivers, lakes and seas.

According to data from the Environment Agency, more than 656,000 hours of sewage was released by United Utilities in 2023 – which was an increase of 54% from the year before.

Earlier this week, UK water regulator Ofwat announced that it was opening an enforcement case into United Utilities, as the company may have breached legal environmental obligations.

The order could result in fines, but does not automatically imply that the company did breach these obligations.

The demonstrators from Extinction Rebellion Trafford called for the end of raw sewage discharge into waterways by 2023 and stated that the costs to implement this should not be shouldered by customers.

The protestors lined up outside United Utilities annual general meeting (Image: Extinction Rebellion Trafford)

“Is it right that water companies like United Utilities be allowed to continually place the burden of cost onto the shoulders of its customers after years of underinvestment instead of providing a service that is fit for purpose,” commented one of the protestors.

“Clean water is essential to support the life of all our families, communities, wildlife, biodiversity, and yet this precious resource has been mishandled, mismanaged and contaminated by the very service provider who is charged with delivering and maintaining it.

“As customers we need water, yet collectively we have a voice, and it is time for that voice to be heard.

“We will come together to drive this change, and collectively call upon the government to remove the burden of the investment required from customers and legislate to ensure the water companies are required to return our waters to a fit and healthy state at their own cost.”

Wild swimmers, dog-walkers and health professionals were among those to attend the demonstration.

“I’m furious. United Utilities are taking my money, rewarding shareholders, illegally dumping sewage and killing our rovers,” said another protestor.

“As a customer, we have no alternative options, so all I can do is hold back the sewage payment of my bill in protest.”

The protestors held poo-themed props and signs (Image: Extinction Rebellion Trafford)

United Utilities supplies 1.8 billion litres of water every day to homes across the north west of England, including those in Warrington.

"The views of all our customers and shareholders are important to us and we fully respect the rights of those who wish to protest," said a spokesperson for United Utilities.

"We understand and share people's concerns about the issue of storm overflows, which is why we have invested hundreds of millions of pounds in recent years to reduce the number of spills.

"As part of this strategic plan, we have accelerated schemes to target overflows with the highest number of spills, led by a 500 strong team of experts - including data scientists, engineers and construction specialists.

"Our investment is already delivering results, with significant reductions in the number of spills at key sites.

"We know there is more to do and our proposed business plan up to 2030 includes record levels of investment to meet the new requirements of the Environment Act 2021. Customers will never be asked to pay twice."