Local campaigners have reported that up to 1.1 million litres a day of treated and untreated sewage, during storms, is permitted to be released from the CSO sewer pipe. The Independent Water Commission report published on July 21 handed down 88 recommendations on how the government should address the issues facing the embattled, privatised water industry in England and Wales. The report also recommended raising consumers' water bills to offset investment, as well as making smart meters compulsory. Critics of the report say it failed to address structural reform of the water industry, allowing water companies to continue prioritizing shareholders over the public. A fascinating interview from DG#62Slow Journalism in your inbox, plus infographics, offers and more: sign up for the free DG newsletter.