Figures published by the Environment Agency (EA) show a total of 301,091 spills in 2022 in England - an average of 824 per day.
This was a 19% decrease from the previous year but John Leyland, the EA's executive director said this was "down to dry weather, not water company action".
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey has accused Ms Coffey of presiding over a "national scandal" and allowing the water companies to get away with environmental crimes.
He said: "These figures are a damning verdict on the Government's failure to protect our treasured rivers and lakes. This is a national scandal and it is happening on the Conservatives' watch.
"A historic drought is no excuse for this Government's inaction and failure. The Environment Secretary has let water companies get away with these environmental crimes for far too long.
"It is clear she simply doesn't care enough to get tough on these polluting firms.
This story is from the April 01, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 01, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The one that got away could be the one who makes his way back to Etihad
THE could be the one who got away - and maybe even one who returns in the future.
Harry's game at United may not be up just yet as he rediscovers form
THE first question at Erik ten Hag's post-match debrief on Saturday did not centre on Harry Maguire but Ten Hag made it about Maguire.
Ronnie's biggest threat is himself
RONNIE O'Sullivan may claim not to care about records but the magnitude of his quest to eclipse Stephen Hendry and claim a record-breaking eighth world snooker title in the modern era cannot be understated.
kids AI comic app to make media savvy
A GROUND-BREAKING new child friendly app will use AI to foster mental wellbeing and positive media habits among its young users.
New future for pub with a grisly past?
A HISTORIC pub with a dark past could reopen under a new name and ownership.
Airport arrests in police swoop on scammer website
A UK-FOUNDED website used to defraud victims on an industrial scale has been infiltrated - leading to scores of arrests around the world, the Metropolitan Police has said.
Working people pay price for Labour councils - PM
PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak has hit out at Labour-run councils across the country, with local election polls predicting widespread defeats for Conservative candidates.
Eurovision security to be tight due to unrest fears
SECURITY will be tight during next month's Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo in southern Sweden, police said, citing demonstrations that could lead to unrest and a heightened threat of terrorism.
Tory candidate in Islamophobic tweet storm
CALL FOR CONSERVATIVES TO DROP PROSPECT! TIVE COUNCILLOR
Kennie murder trial is told of 'revenge' shouts
A WITNESS said he heard a group shouting \"This is revenge' during an incident before the alleged murder of Kennie Carter, a jury has heard.
