United Utilities Water Limited has been fined after a court case brought by the Environment Agency regarding a pollution incident that resulted in the deaths of over 16,000 fish in Bolton, Greater Manchester.
The incident occurred on 12 December 2024 during a routine valve test at the High Rid Reservoir. A high-speed discharge released approximately 34,000 roach fish into the nearby Bessy Brook. Because the brook was an unsuitable environment for such a large number of fish, more than 16,000 died as a result.
The company pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court on 10 April 2026 to introducing the fish without the required environmental permit. This case marks the first time a water company has been sentenced under The Keeping and Introduction of Fish (England and River Esk Catchment Area) Regulations 2015. The regulator classified the harm caused by the release as a category 2 incident, representing a significant impact on animal health.
United Utilities was ordered to pay a total of £86,098.06, which includes a £60,000 fine, a £2,000 victim surcharge, and £24,098.06 in costs. Additionally, the company made a voluntary donation of £500,000 to Groundwork Greater Manchester to support the restoration of Middle Brook.
Since 2015, the Environment Agency has completed 69 prosecutions against water and sewerage companies, resulting in fines totalling more than £153 million.
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