Southern Water has been fined over £2.4 million after admitting to multiple pollution incidents in Kent between 2019 and 2021. The company discharged raw sewage, debris, and diesel into local waterways and the sea, leading to environmental damage and several public health concerns, according to Bromley magistrates.

The pollution incidents resulted in fish deaths and prompted authorities to impose several swimming bans in affected areas. Southern Water pleaded guilty to five environmental offences and was ordered to pay an additional £70,000 in legal costs.

In a statement, Southern Water expressed regret for the incidents, citing historic underinvestment in infrastructure as a contributing factor. The company said new leadership is taking steps to address and resolve ongoing issues related to water management and environmental protection.

The fines underscore continued regulatory scrutiny over water companies’ environmental practices in England amid growing public and governmental pressure to reduce pollution in rivers and coastal waters. Southern Water is one of several firms that have faced penalties in recent years related to untreated sewage discharges and other breaches of environmental standards.