Ofwat has confirmed that, following consultation, it will allow two small water supply companies to increase the limits on the prices they can charge their customers – but by less than the companies wanted.

The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) has welcomed Ofwat’s announcement that it will be recommending the phased opening up to competition of contestable water and sewerage markets.

Applications from Northumbrian Water to vary the treatment of sewage discharges from six sewage works in the north east will not be 'called in' for a decision by the Secretary of State for the Environment.

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy told the Northern Ireland Assembly yesterday that water Rates will be introduced into Northern Ireland but the ratepayers will not be expected to pay twice for the service.

In his submission to the Independent Water Review Panel, which is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of existing arrangements for the delivery of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Utility Regulator has said property value should not be the main determinant in funding for water and sewerage.

Defra has  published its response to the consultation on measures to implement the Nitrates Directive. Implementation of the Nitrates Directive is a “base measure” for the purposes of implementing the Water Framework Directive.

The United Kingdom Technical Advisory Group (UKTAG) which provides coordinated advice on technical aspects of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive in the United Kingdom has added two new documents to its website.

According to a new European Commission survey, Europeans are highly concerned about climate change and clearly willing to take action against it.

New targets to improve the productivity, efficiency and sustainability of the UK's construction sector were unveiled by the Government and industry yesterday.

Industry and other water users in Scotland who abstract, impound or discharge to the water environment are being given the opportunity to comment on a new scheme to assess compliance with environmental licence conditions.