Five Severn Trent Water sites in North Nottinghamshire have been targeted as part of an accelerated delivery programme designed to meet tighter phosphorus permit requirements under the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP), improving the environmental health of around 500 km of rivers.

Following an investigation Ofwat opened in January 2026 into Albion Water about potential failures to meet regulatory requirements, the regulator has now announced it now proposes to accept undertakings from the utility which will secure the company’s compliance – and in lieu of the financial penalty of £97,150 Ofwat would otherwise impose.

In an Expert Focus article for WaterBriefing, Philip Gaffey, Managing Director of Gaffey, UK-based specialists in the design and manufacture of advanced in-situ chemical generation and blending systems for the global water treatment market, takes an in-depth look at the impact of Brexit on biocides regulation and the risk for the water sector supply chain.

NI Water is set to face a forensic audit into its governance systems - Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has informed the Northern Ireland Assembly that she has commissioned the audit which will be conducted by NICS Internal Audit Services.

Ofwat has today confirmed its final decisions in its wastewater investigations against Anglian Water and South West Water - a total of £86.8 million will be paid by the companies as enforcement packages.

Uisce Éireann has welcomed the latest Drinking Water Report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which confirms that Ireland’s public drinking water supplies continue to meet exceptionally high standards, with over 99.8% compliance with microbiological and chemical standards.

Ofwat has today announced the final decision in two investigations looking into the operations of Thames Water, who will face penalties totalling £122.7m. These will be paid by the company and its investors, and not by customers.

The Environment Agency is surging water company inspections in the South West – EA inspection teams are continuing to grow, focused on checks, enforcement, and regulation.

Anglian Water Services Ltd has been ordered to pay over £50,000 for failing, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a requirement to provide records by the Environment Agency. The order includes a £25,000 fine, £190 victim surcharge and £25,000 in costs.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that water company inspections will more than quadruple as the Government cracks down on poor performing companies.