THREE water companies have been hit with record £168million fines over illegal sewage discharges.
Thames had the biggest at £104m, with £47m for Yorkshire and a £17m penalty at Northumbrian.
Regulator Ofwat said all routinely pumped out sewage into rivers and seas from storm overflows, rather than just in exceptional circumstances.
Its probe highlighted a strong link with the state of disrepair at treatment sites.
More than two-thirds of Thames’ sewage plants had operational problems.
The cash-strapped firm claims it only has 11 months of funds left to keep going.
Ofwat insisted customers must not now be penalised by higher bills.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said those responsible for illegally polluting rivers, lakes and seas have to “face consequences”.
Charles Watson, of River Action, said sewage was spilled last year in Britain “over 1,600 times a day — and with many of these discharges being illegal, this situation is completely unacceptable”.
Yorkshire Water said it had a £180m programme to reduce spills.
