Decision by supreme court means water companies could be sued for damage caused by dumping of human waste
Water companies could face a spate of legal challenges by people and businesses affected by sewage pollution after a landmark ruling found United Utilities can be sued by a private company for damage caused by the dumping of human waste.
Lawyers said it was a “watershed moment” as the courts had previously ruled that penalties for water companies were a matter for the regulator, and companies could not sue firms for damage caused to their property by sewage pollution.