What happened?
Channel 4 has launched a new three-part series titled Dirty Business, which delves into the ongoing scandal of England’s water companies dumping raw sewage into waterways. The series begins with the tragic story of Heather Preen, an eight-year-old girl who contracted E. coli after visiting a contaminated beach in Devon in 1999. This incident serves as a catalyst for a decade-long investigation led by citizen detectives Peter Hammond and Ashley Smith, portrayed by actors Jason Watkins and David Thewlis, respectively.
Why it matters
The series highlights a critical issue regarding the accountability of water companies in England, which have been accused of polluting natural resources without facing legal repercussions. According to reports, no water company owner or executive has ever been prosecuted for the numerous illegal sewage discharges. The show aims to raise awareness about the impact of these actions on public health and the environment, particularly through the lens of real-life events surrounding Heather Preen’s case.
What’s next?
As Dirty Business continues to air, it is expected to provoke discussions about the need for stricter regulations and accountability for water companies. The series is part of a broader movement calling for reform in the water industry, as highlighted by the recent unveiling of a provocative public art installation, The Fountain of Filth, on London’s Southbank. This installation symbolizes the public outrage over the ongoing pollution crisis and the perceived failure of government regulators to address these issues effectively.