Does water's 'Great Stink' moment pass the sniff test?
Jul 21, 2025•19 min
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Episode description
A critical review into England and Wales's broken water system has been released - and it says we are in the midst of the "Great Stink" of the 21st century.
The report includes 88 recommendations - including a new single integrated regulator to replace existing water watchdogs, mandatory water metering, and a social tariff for vulnerable customers.
In this episode, Niall Paterson asks Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso if after decades of ill-treatment, finally can new regulation bring our water back to health.
Plus, the Consumer Council for Water’s chief executive Mike Keil looks at whether public confidence in water can ever be restored.
Producer: Emily Hulme and Emma Rae Woodhouse
Editor: Philly Beaumont
The report includes 88 recommendations - including a new single integrated regulator to replace existing water watchdogs, mandatory water metering, and a social tariff for vulnerable customers.
In this episode, Niall Paterson asks Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso if after decades of ill-treatment, finally can new regulation bring our water back to health.
Plus, the Consumer Council for Water’s chief executive Mike Keil looks at whether public confidence in water can ever be restored.
Producer: Emily Hulme and Emma Rae Woodhouse
Editor: Philly Beaumont
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