Three water companies are facing a combined record fine of £168m after a series of failings, including over sewage treatment.
The proposals by regulator Ofwat include a penalty of £104m for Thames Water.
Yorkshire Water faces a £47m fine, while Northumbrian Water will have to pay £17m.
It follows an investigation into the firms' management of their sewage treatment works and wider networks.
Ofwat said it would consult on the level of the fines before the firms are ordered to pay up.
There has been increasing concern over pollution of the UK's rivers and coastlines in recent years.
Analysis of Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs data suggested sewage was dumped into rivers, lakes and beaches designated "safe to bathe in" an average of 86 times a day in 2023.
Environment Agency figures also showed untreated sewage discharges doubled from 1.8 million hours in 2022 to a record 3.6 million in 2023.
Several water companies have also come under growing scrutiny over their financial health and plans to increase bills.
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