The government plans to invest £104 billion to repair aging sewage infrastructure, funded by an average 36% increase in water bills, aiming for a 'water revolution' to address systemic failures.

The UK government is launching a new water ombudsman with legal authority to improve consumer protection and resolve disputes with water companies, moving away from a voluntary system.

This initiative is part of a broader plan to reform the water industry, which has been criticized as 'broken' due to pollution, underinvestment, and infrastructure issues.

Reforms are expected to include the possible dissolution of Ofwat and the creation of a new regulator, potentially combining functions of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) to enhance oversight.

Reed has committed to halving sewage pollution by 2030 and eliminating it entirely by 2035, promising rivers, lakes, and seas will be the cleanest on record, with a warning he would resign if targets are not met.

Recent surveys show public trust in water companies is at a record low, with only 53% believing charges are fair, amid a 26% increase in bills since April.

Critics, including sewage campaigners, have criticized the new pollution targets as insufficient and questioned the credibility of the government's strategy.

Opposition figures and critics emphasize the need for transparency and long-term reforms, warning against superficial changes and calling for fundamental overhaul of regulation.

Water sector management has been criticized for underinvestment and mismanagement since 1989, with some calling for more drastic reforms, including moving away from privatization.

The CCW chief executive supports the mandatory water ombudsman, stressing the importance of robust consumer protections in handling complaints.

Reed's reforms aim to rebuild trust between water companies and consumers, addressing public concerns over service failures and environmental impact.

Political leaders are divided, with some advocating for nationalization or major regulatory changes, while others support a mixed ownership model, reflecting ongoing debate about the sector's future.