For 13 years, Mike Deacon monitored pollution levels in the river Ouse in Sussex, gathering data as a volunteer to help the Environment Agency take action. As a lifelong angler who grew up close to the river, its waters were precious to him.

Now he is taking Southern Water to court, counter-suing the company for “loss of amenity” after it began legal action over his unpaid bills. Since 2021 Deacon has refused to pay more than £1 a month because he blames Southern Water for river pollution.

“That’s all they deserve,” he said. “I won’t pay them for polluting my local river. Their contribution to pollution in the river system and the seas has led to a reduction in fish stocks. I can’t swim in the river any more. I can’t go kayaking there any more.”

Deacon is one of a number of customers withholding money from their water bills, with others joining a bills boycott and refusing to pay the wastewater element of their bills in protest at river and sea pollution.

Earlier this month, the Consumer Council for Water said more customers complained about Southern Water than any other water company and named it and Thames Water as the “standout poor performers” in dealing with complaints.

The water industry has been under fire over leaks and sewage spills, and for taking out debts worth £54bn since privatisation in 1989 while paying out £66bn to shareholders during the same period. Companies have asked customers to foot a £96bn bill to upgrade the water network, with plans to tackle sewage, reduce leaks and build new reservoirs.

“So, on the one hand, I’m having to pay for them to pollute my river,” Deacon said. “And on the other, I’m having to pay for their fines, and put money into the pockets of their shareholders. I’m not doing it.”