In response to findings in the programme, Water UK said: “Companies have set out proposals for a record £96 billion of investment, to ensure the security of our water supply in the future and reduce spills into rivers and seas as fast as possible.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs told the show it was “driving the largest infrastructure programme in water company history to upgrade the network”.

The Environment Agency said it “takes the management of conflicts of interest very seriously”, adding that none of its most senior staff have an interest in a water company.

Ofwat said that employees “intending to leave” were removed from projects where there was the “potential for a conflict of interest”.

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