Reactions to Dirty Business, the new Channel 4 Docudrama on sewage pollution, suggest the UK water industry is in for another heavy battering. After the 3-episode series aired on 23 Feb 2026 it has received extensive coverage on all major press and media outlets, from BBC News to Woman and Home and even Cosmopolitan.
In the first episode the plot focused on failing physical infrastructure and lack of monitoring, maintenance or investment – hugely exacerbated by cover-up and apparently wilful neglect of responsibility. The rest of the story is unlikely to get much prettier. The exemplary campaigning and outstanding cast make this a must-watch programme for those of us interested in the water sector.
From EBNet’s perspective, we can’t help wondering what the effect of another wave of public rage and revulsion will be on the water industry and on Environmental Biotechnology in general. Will the scandal finally ensure enough attention and resources are put into turning performance around, and such contemptible corporate and regulatory behaviour can never happen again? Or will it simply convince the public that the sector is both filthy and corrupt, making it even harder to recruit the brightest and best to work in it? A Dirty Business indeed…
For examples of related posts on the UK water industry see here, here and here.