United Utilities has been ordered to pay £666,000 for polluting a river with untreated sewage effluent in Greater Manchester.

The Environment Agency took the prosecution against the water company after sewage polluted the River Medlock, which had a significant impact on fish population and water quality over four kilometres.

A member of the public initially reported the pollution on 14^th October 2014.

United Utilities estimated around 21,7000 cubic metres of sewage was discharged into the water.

The water firm apologised to its customers and said it is investing £6 billion in the North West until 2020 and making “major environmental improvements”.

Wastewater Network Director Keith Haslett added: “The incident was caused by a faulty control valve at our wastewater facility in Oldham. The valve door failed, due to a worn drive nut.

“In the three years since the incident, we have upgraded alert systems, introduced new alarm procedures and enhanced the control valve. We are investing a further £50 million in improvements along the River Medlock.”

• United Utilities, fine, pollution, untreated sewage, water firm